Microsoft has revealed early technical details about its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, during presentations at the Game Developers Conference 2026 and Nvidia GTC 2026.
The upcoming console will use a custom system-on-chip developed with AMD. It is expected to feature a next-generation GPU architecture, likely based on RDNA 5, with improved ray tracing performance.
Project Helix will also support newer technologies in DirectX. Current consoles like the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S run DirectX 12, but they do not support some newer features, such as work graphs, which allow the GPU to handle more tasks without relying as much on the CPU.
Microsoft said the custom AMD chip will include neural texture compression and improved asset streaming. Using DirectStorage with the Zstandard compression format will allow game data to be streamed more efficiently from the SSD to the GPU.
Another focus for Project Helix is machine-learning-based graphics. This includes neural materials, AI-generated images, and ML-based upscaling or super-resolution to improve visual quality.
Microsoft also plans to bring some of these innovations to Windows 11 with Xbox mode, letting players switch seamlessly between work and play on their PC. Combined with Xbox Play Anywhere, progress and purchases move across devices, letting players enjoy over 1,500 supported games without repurchasing.
Developers are expected to receive early alpha hardware for Project Helix starting in 2027. Stay tuned.
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