MS exec: Microsoft's next console will play 'Xbox and PC games'

Source: Ars Technica

Background

Last summer, we at Ars argued that Microsoft’s next Xbox console should abandon the walled‑garden approach and just run Windows already. Why Microsoft’s next Xbox should just run Windows already.

Sharma’s Announcement

Microsoft Executive Vice President for Gaming Asha Sharma—newly named in a recent article—strongly hinted that the next‑generation console will “play your Xbox and PC games.” New Microsoft gaming chief has no tolerance for bad AI.

In a social‑media post on Thursday afternoon, Sharma said that “our commitment to the return of Xbox” would include a new console codenamed Project Helix that “will lead in performance and play your Xbox and PC games.” Post on X. She indicated she would discuss the commitment and the console with developers and partners at her first Game Developers Conference next week.

Possible Implementation Paths

Sharma’s statement leaves room for Project Helix to be something other than a full‑blown Windows‑based living‑room gaming box. The console’s access to PC games could be limited to:

• Microsoft’s existing streaming solution via PC Game Pass. How to stream games using PC Game Pass
• Games designed for Microsoft’s Xbox‑branded PC SDK. Xbox GDK documentation
• The PC Xbox app. Xbox app on PC

Implications of a Full Windows Installation

A plain reading of Sharma’s remarks suggests Microsoft may be preparing to open its next console to a complete Windows installation, enabling the play of tens of thousands of existing PC games. This would not be unprecedented:

• Microsoft used the Xbox name for last year’s Windows‑based ROG Xbox Ally. ROG Xbox Ally X review
• The Ally featured a console‑esque full‑screen “Xbox Experience.” Full‑screen Xbox handheld UI coming to Windows PCs
• Microsoft has been reducing the number of games fully exclusive to Xbox consoles, lowering the value of a walled‑off platform. Microsoft taking four unnamed Xbox games to other consoles

Industry Context

• Sony recently pulled back from its trend of releasing first‑party PlayStation titles on PC. Sony won’t bring any more single‑player PlayStation games to PC — exploring more PC ports for PlayStation titles
• Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine aims to bring Windows‑free PC gaming to living rooms, potentially competing with a Windows‑based Xbox. Valve’s Steam Machine looks like a console but don’t expect it to be priced like one