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[MisterXDTV]

That's what I suspect but we have a couple of insiders here convinced that's not true and that there's a real closed-platform next-gen console "mode" or something like that.

Nobody is going to make games specifically for it, if it runs PC Steam out of the box....

It's Windows

LOL

 

[Knucklepux]

Its not just Gamepass though, although yes Gsmepass needs hardware right now.
Its ther millions of Xbox gamers that have Xbox accounts fuill of games, dlc, mtx, etc they have bought over the years.

There was always going to be some kind of Xbox coming.

I don't think you understood my original post then…

I'm not suggesting there shouldn't have been a new Xbox, I'm questioning their strategy and where in the market they actually think they can compete

 

[xrnzaaas]

Welp, the honeymoon period was quite short.

 

[nial]

What I mean is, I don't think the handheld is just a low powered PS6 and the console is the same has the handheld, just higher frequencies.

It's more akin to having a SteamDeck (but more powerful since newer tech) next to your 9070XT/5070Ti. Not a portable inside the console with higher clocks (like what Nintendo does plugged in).

it's just a handheld console with worse specs (obviously) using the same CPU/GPU architecture, we know this

 

[Snowdonhoffen]

I'm really curious to see how this will work, how it performs and what the cost will be.
Helix would need a full Xbox/Windows OS revamp on the software side, this can't be just a console version of the Xbox Full Screen Experience the ROG uses. While that kinda works, it's not completely streamlined and not that friendly to use.

It's also a really interesting time now... SteamOS/Steam Machine would be there direct competition. SteamOS "just works", and is completely gaming focused first. However, depending on the user - it could be confusing for the average normie when they want to install games from other libraries/launchers. This is where Project Helix may be the "easier" option... But also, that's where the cost would come into play. We assume the Steam Machine would be cheaper than Helix, but this is all way too early to tell.

I mean, the way people describe it, it will pretty much be a high end PC with an official Xbox Series X virtual machine (so you can play Series X, Xbox One and the 360+OG Xbox games that are already backwards compatible). But I just can't see how this will make things better for Xbox, or how this will attact people other than hardcore Xbox fans.

 

[Shogmaster]

So we finally have the proper codename. It isn't Project Magnus but Project Helix. Like Project Scorpio or Project Scarlett.

And it's confirmed to be Hybrid, perfect.

Magnus is code name for the APU. Helix is code name for the whole hybrid console.

For example, Ptoject Scarlett's APU code name is Arden.

 

[DeepEnigma]

it's just a handheld console with worse specs (obviously) using the same CPU/GPU architecture, we know this

Did you read the post I responded to? It made it sound like everything is the same but clocked higher due to no battery.

When that shouldn't be the case.

Ok, what is it now, Magnus or Helix?

Magnus is code name for the APU. Helix is code name for the whole hybrid console.

For example, Ptoject Scarlett's APU code name is Arden.

 

[Hyper_hyper]

Ok, what is it now, Magnus or Helix?

 

[Shogmaster]

Ok, what is it now, Magnus or Helix?

Look 2 posts above you.

 

[Darsxx82]

Yeah, the custom AMD chip is the key for full BC functionality. I wonder if AMD will offer something for PC builds too? Probably not but that would be cool to bring all my games to PC.

I believe that for that to happen, many licensing issues would need to be resolved, and many studios and publishers would need to be convinced to accept the loss. Therefore, I'm practically certain that this BC will be limited to the hardware of that new Xbox, which, whether we are gree or not, they call It "Xbox CONSOLE", and it will surely be treated as such by publishers and studios when licensing their games for it.

 

[HeisenbergFX4]

Ok, what is it now, Magnus or Helix?

Magnus was the AMD chip code name, Helix is the console codename

 

[Jigsaah]

the Steam Machine is not even in the race dude... it's a system that is worse than current gen consoles... and it can't run some of the most popular games without installing a separate OS.

Ok. I was under the impression there would be multiple specs for the Steam Machine. Is that not the case?

 

[IntentionalPun]

Nobody is going to make games specifically for it, if it runs PC Steam out of the box....

LOL

Well I think the whole point is Microsoft trying. All of their console money would now be going towards making games and trying to make Windows Store more relevant as well as Gamepass more relevant on PC (which means any 3rd party signed up is making a Windows Store version of their game, which is true of PC Gamepass today, but all of MS's budget is now on PC.)

So all the programs they have for getting people to make Xbox games, are now going to be devoted to having them make Windows Store versions.

I hope they fail because fuck Microsoft having a bigger foothold in Windows gaming. They suck, their store sucks and they have way too much money and leverage to use rather than actually making a better product.

Only GOG has done anything interesting w/ a PC Gaming store from a consumer standpoint, and even that is more of an initiative than anything else as it's not like Steam forces DRM. You can actually sell a DRM free game on Steam if you want. Every other "competition" has just been benefitting the publisher at the expense of consumers having to install and use launchers that suck compared to Steam.

 

[Kacho]

I believe that for that to happen, many licensing issues would need to be resolved, and many studios and publishers would need to be convinced to accept the loss. Therefore, I'm practically certain that this BC will be limited to the hardware of that new Xbox, which, whether we are gree or not, they call It "Xbox CONSOLE", and it will surely be treated as such by publishers and studios when licensing their games for it.

Yeah, almost certainly not happening due to legal hurdles. Would be cool though.

 

[Ashamam]

Nobody is going to make games specifically for it, if it runs PC Steam out of the box....

It's Windows

LOL

Well, depends what you mean by specifically. It will be a PC and a game 'made for it' will run on any PC, but critically the largest publisher out there will see it as a high priority reference hardware profile to target. So you could argue at least one publisher will make games specifically for it.

You would also imagine the upcoming conference will introduce a tighter link between all the traditional xbox features and PC, so hooking in to the various xbox specific socials/comms etc might be a focus for MS to push to all game developers. Making it easier for them to bring their games to 'Xbox' as well as Steam with full integration into the Xbox ecosystem. I mean thats the play, to compete with Steam.

 

[Hyper_hyper]

Did you read the post I responded to? It made it sound like everything is the same but clocked higher due to no battery.

When that shouldn't be the case.

Look 2 posts above you.

Magnus was the AMD chip code name, Helix is the console codename

So, a PC then in the end. What we knew.... from before

 

[deeptech]

So this is why perhaps Sony wants to stop releasing on PC (if the rumors are true in the first place). Many existing ones like Uncharted 4 etc, will be seemingly playable on new Xbox.

 

[kevboard]

Ok. I was under the impression there would be multiple specs for the Steam Machine. Is that not the case?

I assume that's the longterm goal, but so far, no. only the one with 8GB VRAM and a low end AMD GPU is currently confirmed.

 

[Brucey]

Well well well

Imagine if ps5 low power mode was bait for MS to release a range of Helix devices including some super potato entry level unit ala series s...

 

[yogaflame]

So no more xbox name and it will be rebranded? MS entry to high end gaming pc hybrid market.

 

[MisterXDTV]

So this is why perhaps Sony wants to stop releasing on PC (if the rumors are true in the first place). Many existing ones like Uncharted 4 etc, will be seemingly playable on new Xbox.

If they really care, they can delist those games, but it doesn't make much sense...

 

[DeepEnigma]

Imagine if ps5 low power mode was bait for MS to release a range of Helix devices including some super potato entry level unit ala series s...

I believe Sony is indeed doing a handheld. Portal has been a success, so a dedicated device would seem like a natural evolution for them to get back into portable gaming with a shared PSN library.

 

[IntentionalPun]

So no more xbox name and it will be rebranded?

Where are you getting that?

 

[Prodyhig]

So this is why perhaps Sony wants to stop releasing on PC (if the rumors are true in the first place). Many existing ones like Uncharted 4 etc, will be seemingly playable on new Xbox.

The new Xbox, which is basically a Microsoft computer, doesn't even have a launch price yet, though it's predicted to be expensive.

I even have serious doubts that Microsoft will manufacture it itself and not outsource it to a third party, as was the case with the Xbox ROG Ally, which was manufactured by Asus.

I doubt that's what Sony is worried about, especially knowing that Xbox's commercial image is at rock bottom.

 

[Shogmaster]

So, a PC then in the end. What we knew.... from before

Leaks were solid yo. Same as previous gen leaks.

 

[S0ULZB0URNE]

$1200+

 

[StueyDuck]

"Co-pilot, how do I get people excited for a new console? It's like my first day, and I want it to be really exciting so that I look competent"

 

[Kikorin]

Probably the main reason why PlayStation is stepping back from release their exclusives on PC, or the "next Xbox" would going to plays them better than PS itself.

 

[Stafford]

Why are people doubting that other stores will be on it? We had Epic saying they would be there day one iirc. And didn't some insiders say this about Steam too?

 

[MayaXG]

"That's a PC!"

 

[Magic Carpet]

So is it a PC that I can or can't upgrade that is a question I need to know

I personally think the days of upgrading a PC are numbered. I've been asking for new ATX standards and builds for years and have gotten zip.
The best I see are proprietary stuff like backside connectors nad power delivered right along with the PCIe slot. Nothing in a standard.
Specialized tools are now needed to seat memory on boards from people with soldering talent. No more of this simple slot it in stuff.

 

[PSFore]

Why are people doubting that other stores will be on it? We had Epic saying they would be there day one iirc. And didn't some insiders say this about Steam too?

Epic and probably others will be there. But sounds like Epic hasn't even begun to develop a big picture/full screen mode with controller support.

 

[Emedan]

So, it's just a gimped PC?

 

[Stafford]

 

[Jigsaah]

I assume that's the longterm goal, but so far, no. only the one with 8GB VRAM and a low end AMD GPU is currently confirmed.

So then the other factor would be the release date, which was already presumed to be delayed due to RAM issues. This affects everybody though. Boils down to how they circumvent the issue. Still, in a world where Microsoft and Sony are also no longer subsidizing consoles. I think Steam Machine still competes with Helix, even if the power is not a contest.

 

[OverHeat]

$1200+

 

[Magic-DEI-Hire]

Did AI generate that logo?

 

[PSFore]

Easiest system in the world for studios to support. Not even sure why Xbox needs to talk to them at GDC.

 

[yogaflame]

Where are you getting that?

It is possible as a fresh starts, since the label "xbox" gave MS bad memories of devastating loses.

 

[Brucey]

I believe Sony is indeed doing a handheld. Portal has been a success, so a dedicated device would seem like a natural evolution for them to get back into portable gaming with a shared PSN library.

The Portal has done well, I think part of that is fairly low price of entry and excellent graphics courtesy of either streaming from ps5/ps5 pro or cloud.

However I dont think that necessarily would be replicated if they release a potato with worse graphics and it ends up being in the $500 range.

 

[IntentionalPun]

Probably the main reason why PlayStation is stepping back from release their exclusives on PC, or the "next Xbox" would going to plays them better than PS itself.

I could see them caring about some "symbolic" thing since they seem to be being taken back over by their Japanese side and that's the sort of thing they care about in Japan sometimes.

But from a business perspective it's probably far more likely to be about Microsoft not actually releasing a next-gen console that has any mass market appeal then Microsoft branding a PC as "Xbox."

 

[Darsxx82]

So, a PC then in the end. What we knew.... from before

Example of when your idea was one thing and it's clear you didn't care what was being said or what it meant...

 

[HerjansEagleFeeder]

Why not?

Box closed. No PCIe slots. No RAM slots. You'll be able to expand storage if you're lucky.

 

[Pop]

I already have one of them

I'm staring right at it

 

[Darsxx82]

So no more xbox name and it will be rebranded? MS entry to high end gaming pc hybrid market.

LOL,

It's the name of the project, like Project Scorpio was XBO X and Project Scarlett was XSX.

 

[DeepEnigma]

The Portal has done well, I think part of that is fairly low price of entry and excellent graphics courtesy of either streaming from ps5/ps5 pro or cloud.

However I dont think that necessarily would be replicated if they release a potato with worse graphics and it ends up being in the $500 range.

It's should have more power than the Switch 2, and with the new PSSR which is pretty much FSR4.1, game should look good for a handheld.

 

[Brucey]

I already have one of them

I'm staring right at it

Presumably would be a PC with bluray drive and security rom so it can read and play physical xbox console games.

 

[Ramiro_Rodriguez]

Isn't it a bit early to announce Helix if Microsoft plans to launch the console in 2028? It looks more like a 2027 release.

And is it plausible that MS put a "custom disc drive" in Helix, that is capable of to play Xbox, 360, One, XSX and PC games?

 

[PSFore]

Isn't it a bit early to announce Helix if Microsoft plans to launch the console in 2028? It looks more like a 2027 release.

And is it plausible that MS put a "custom disc drive" in Helix, that is capable of to play Xbox, 360, One, XSX and PC games?

The only thing that could delay it is component costs. Otherwise looks like it's coming out in 2027 like AMD said.

 

[Brucey]

It's should have more power than the Switch 2, and with the new PSSR which is pretty much FSR4.1, game should look good for a handheld.

Mega potato and Ultra potato. Better than switch 2 is hardly a worthy benchmark imo.