Katarzyna Petru
Microsoft may be preparing the biggest change in the history of Xbox consoles. According to a statement from one of the company's managers, the next generation of devices is expected to allow the running of games from both Xbox and PC. The new console, known by the working name Project Helix, could significantly change the way the entire Xbox ecosystem operates.
Xbox and PC in one ecosystem
Microsoft's new Vice President of Gaming, Asha Sharma, suggested on social media that the upcoming console from the company will unite the world of Xbox and PCs. According to her announcements, the device: will offer high performance, allow the launching of games from Xbox and PC, and will be part of a broader return of the Xbox brand. Project details are expected to be presented during the Game Developers Conference.
One of the most frequently appearing theories is that Microsoft's future console will run on a full version of Microsoft Windows adapted for televisions. Such a move would enable the launch of thousands of PC games available on various distribution platforms. Microsoft has already begun to bridge both ecosystems. An example is the portable ROG Xbox Ally device, which runs on Windows and offers a special Xbox Experience mode.
End of Xbox exclusivity?
Microsoft's strategy has clearly been changing over the past few years. The company is increasingly moving away from games that are exclusively available on Xbox consoles. Many titles are now released simultaneously on PC or through the Xbox Game Pass service, which diminishes the significance of a closed console ecosystem. The new generation of hardware could be another step towards merging consoles and computers into one gaming platform. While the idea sounds appealing, there are also several challenges: integrating various PC launchers, adapting games from keyboard and mouse to controller, and compatibility with older titles. Microsoft will need to find a way to make it all work as smoothly as a classic console.
If the rumours are confirmed, the new Xbox console could be one of the most groundbreaking devices in the brand's history. The Helix project may bridge the world of console and PC gaming, providing players access to a massive library of titles. For now, details remain unknown, but everything indicates that Microsoft wants to firmly integrate Xbox with the Windows ecosystem.
source: arstechnica.com
