Analyst says Project Helix will fail unless new Xbox console wins war vs Steam Machine

Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma announced the Project Helix codename for the new Xbox console. While the company has promised to appease its core fan base, questions linger about the system’s appeal. According to Japanese game consultant Dr. Serkan Toto, its focus should be on besting the Steam Machine, rather than the PS6.

Helix could decide the fate of Xbox hardware

Toto spoke to GamesRadar following Sharma’s latest update. The analyst believes that the manufacturer may exit the console market if its next venture isn’t successful. He explained, “This might be Microsoft's last attempt to make their hardware business work.” Toto then continued, “I believe there is nobody in this industry who believes there will be another Xbox if this next machine fails.”

Instead of challenging the PS6, Project Helix will likely share more of the same games with the Steam Machine. Reports suggest that the new Xbox console will run a modified Windows, while Valve’s cube relies on SteamOS. Both will entice PC users looking for a living room experience, but Toto thinks Microsoft needs to offer more to gain an edge.

One unanswered question is how Project Helix will ensure compatibility with all Xbox titles. Toto insists that “better and broader native support of Xbox games is the only way” to convince loyal fans. The company has hinted that it will accommodate options that work only on its current and older-gen systems. Emulation and cloud gaming are possibilities, but latency and licensing issues are drawbacks.

Could Project Helix reintroduce exclusives?

Microsoft’s cross-platform approach sees most new releases launch on PC, Steam, and the Series X|S. In some cases, first-party projects like Fable will appear day one on the PS5. A return to Xbox exclusive games not available on Windows or Linux may be one way to court prospective Steam Machine buyers.

The memory shortage is pushing Valve’s contender closer to the new Xbox console’s rumored release date. Yet the two differ significantly in their capabilities. Powered by the Magnus APU, Helix hopes to handle high refresh-rate 4K gaming with ease. On the other hand, the Steam Machine’s RDNA 3 GPU could struggle to meet that threshold with more demanding titles.

Based on their specs, the price of the Helix may also stretch budgets more than Valve’s alternative. Regardless, both will need to win over PC and console fans to compete with the PS6.