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Xbox has confirmed Project Helix, its next-generation first-party console, and says it is designed to play both Xbox console and PC games. The announcement outlines hardware ambitions and a developer milestone for 2027, but it does not establish that Xbox has an advantage over Sony’s next console: there are no comparable PS6 specifications or head-to-head performance results in the official material cited here.
What Xbox has confirmed about Project Helix
On March 11, 2026, Jason Ronald, Xbox’s vice president of Next Generation, said the company was deep in development on Project Helix. Xbox describes it as a next-generation first-party console designed to play Xbox console and PC games. Xbox’s GDC announcement calls it a new step in the company’s console plans.
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Microsoft says Helix will use a custom AMD system-on-a-chip and is being co-designed for the next generation of DirectX and FSR. These statements describe the intended design; they are not published performance measurements, and they do not show how Helix compares with an unannounced or undocumented competing console.
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What “beyond Project Helix” means for Xbox and PC
Helix sits within a broader effort to bring Xbox and PC experiences closer together across devices. Microsoft says the console is intended to support games from both ecosystems. Separately, its Windows Experience Blog announcement said Xbox mode would begin rolling out to Windows 11 in April, starting in select markets. That is a software rollout for Windows 11, not the release of Helix hardware.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Xbox also says it is working to keep games from four generations of Xbox playable for years to come. The announcement does not promise compatibility for every title, so players should not read the statement as a guarantee that the complete back catalog will run on Helix.
When is the next Xbox coming out?
Xbox said it plans to ship alpha versions of Helix hardware to developers beginning in 2027. This is a development milestone, not a consumer release date or a retail availability window. The March 11 announcement gave no public launch date, price, or consumer pre-order details.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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Does Project Helix give Xbox the upper hand over PS6?
That claim is not established by the available official information. Xbox has described its own plans, but the announcement provides no directly comparable PS6 specifications, pricing, release timing, or performance measurements. No primary Sony announcement in the cited material supplies those missing comparison points.
“Leading performance” is Xbox’s characterization of Helix, not an independent benchmark or proof of superiority over PS6. A meaningful comparison would require confirmed specifications or equivalent workload testing, along with practical factors such as price, game support, backward compatibility, and release timing. Until comparable evidence exists, claims that either next-generation console has the upper hand should be treated as unverified.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What the Xbox Play Anywhere figures do—and do not—show
In its March 11, 2026 announcement, Xbox said the Xbox Play Anywhere catalog had grown to more than 1,500 games and that 500 development teams had shipped games with the program. Those are Xbox-published figures about Play Anywhere adoption, not measurements of Helix hardware capability or evidence of an advantage over PS6.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Will the next Xbox play PC games?
Xbox says Project Helix is designed to play Xbox console and PC games. It has not yet published a full compatibility list or details for every PC game or storefront.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is Project Helix more powerful than PS6?
There is no confirmed head-to-head performance evidence in the official information cited here. Xbox’s performance language is a company claim, not an independent comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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