Next-Gen Xbox Details Emerge
Microsoft confirmed the next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, with a custom AMD SoC and 'FSR Diamond' graphics, but dev kits won't ship until 2027.
Microsoft's Project Helix aims for high performance and a player-first experience by playing both Xbox and PC games. The console is being co-developed with AMD, focusing on next-gen DirectX and FSR capabilities. The new AMD FSR Diamond will be natively optimized for Project Helix, with advancements in machine learning for better image clarity through upscaling and frame generation. It includes neural rendering, ML-based upscaling, and multi-frame generation, enhancing ray tracing and path tracing. This suggests a significant overhaul of the current FSR stack, emphasizing ML-focused computation. Microsoft is striving for a consistent Xbox experience across devices, expanding "Xbox Mode" to Windows 11 in select markets starting in April. This initiative began with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, aiming for seamless transitions between devices and the cloud. The timeline for Project Helix suggests a potential launch in 2028 or 2029, marking a longer console generation than previous cycles. This extended development may indicate a prioritization of technical advancements over speed-to-market in the console competition.
