No, Xbox is not just releasing 3rd-party Xbox Helix consoles

KeplerL2 recently leaked that the AMD Magnus APU powering the Project Helix is not exclusive to the next-gen Xbox. This has far-reaching consequences and gave rise to some serious speculations. For instance, some are arguing that this means there won’t be a 1st-party next-gen Xbox and the Project Helix consoles will be made by OEMs like Asus, MSI, and more.

Jason Ronal, who is heading the development of the next-gen Xbox console as he did for the Xbox Series consoles, has put these rumors to rest. He confirms on X that there will indeed be a 1st-party next-gen Xbox Project Helix console.

However, what Jason Ronald hasn’t denied is the availability of 3rd-party Windows gaming consoles based on Project Helix or using the AMD Magnus APU. A more interesting speculation is that we might even see a bunch of different Project Helix consoles launch alongside or shortly after the release of the 1st-party Xbox Helix console.

For instance, Microsoft could take the stage to reveal a lineup of Project Helix consoles spearheaded by the 1st-party console. The lineup could consist of both home and handheld gaming consoles at different price points. This would not only give the consumers options against the Sony PlayStation 6 and PlayStation 6 Portable, but it might also result in one or more cost-effective Steam Machine competitors.

That said, this is all just pure speculation on our part. What we know for a fact is that Microsoft is developing a next-gen Xbox with an AMD APU. Everything else is either a leak, a rumor, speculation, or wishful thinking. So, take much of what you hear with a giant grain of salt.

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