Ever since Microsoft confirmed that its next-generation Xbox ‘Project Helix’ console would essentially be a PC hybrid that would feature a dedicated Xbox mode to play for both console and PC gamers, the rumor mill has been going wild. One of which revolves around Microsoft going the ROG Xbox Ally route and partnering with companies like ASUS, MSI, and others to release ‘Project Helix’ hardware.
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This approach was recently reiterated by well-known leaker and insider KeplerL2 over on the NeoGAF forums, where they said that Microsoft wouldn’t be selling ‘Project Helix’ direct to customers, and that for those wanting a next-gen Xbox, they’ll have to buy one from ASUS or MSI. “It won’t be sold directly to consumers, but you will be able to buy an ASUS/MSI/etc Helix machine,” KelperL2 writes.
Now, as far as game consoles go, this would be another unprecedented move on par with ‘Project Helix,’ transforming Xbox into a PC-console hybrid device. Now, for Xbox fans, this could be a disturbing thought, as no official box would dilute the very Xbox name. The good news is that Jason Ronald, the VP of Xbox Gaming Devices and Next Generation, has chimed in to squash this rumor before it takes hold.
Responding to someone posting KeplerL2’s recent comments that there’s not going to be an official Xbox ‘Project Helix’ console from Microsoft, Jason Ronald simply said, “Project Helix will be available as a 1st party Xbox console.”
Now, this isn’t to say that the plan for Project Helix was for third-party companies to release their own versions of the hardware, as it’s basically a PC. Still, this statement does reaffirm recent pro-Xbox community and ecosystem statements and announcements from the team’s new CEO, Asha Sharma. An official Xbox Project Helix console makes sense, especially if the company plans on retaining its existing Xbox console user base in the years ahead.
