TheRetroArcade
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Joined: Feb 2026
Joined: Feb 2026
Two very different machines, perhaps closer than we initially thought.
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Microsoft is beginning to take the wraps off Project Helix, its newly-teased Xbox console that has been promised to play both Xbox and PC games. While we know very little about the machine for now, new CEO of Microsoft Gaming Asha Sharma says we'll be finding out more at next week's GDC.
Which makes me wonder about the future of the Steam Machine. Valve's own PC gaming living room box has generated a considerable amount of hype since its announcement late last year, and the two now seem closer in goals than might have been initially though.
Assuming I'm comparing apples to apples here, and the new MS machine is a conventional console, not some bizarre extension of Microsoft's "This/Everything is an Xbox" marketing strategy. Could it be a VR headset with jelly controls? Who knows at this point.
Anyway, despite some pricing-related setbacks since its announcement, the Steam Machine is still expected to launch in the first half of 2026.
AMD's recent earnings call made mention of the hardware inside "Microsoft's next-gen Xbox" last month, stating that its semi-custom SOC was "progressing well to support a launch in 2027". So, if schedules remain on track for all involved, the Steam Machine will be available for a considerable amount of time before Microsoft's latest console hits the market.
Being essentially a SteamOS-powered mini PC with a fancy new controller, the Steam Machine has the potential to bring PC gaming to a more console-like, consumer-friendly format far faster than the Xbox machine.
And it'll have Steam's mega back catalogue of games to play with, to boot. What exactly is meant by "play PC games", in regards to the new Xbox, is a very open question at this point. Game Pass games only? Xbox cross-platform games? Or will it be more like the ROG Xbox Ally, with Windows-based agnostic support?
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
However, when it comes to public perception, that Xbox branding carries a lot of weight. While Valve and its Steam platform are very familiar faces to anyone of a PC gaming persuasion, it's still a far less universally-recognised name than Xbox.
The latter is part of the wider public consciousness, in the same way that your grandparents are probably familiar with "PlayStati...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
What do you think about this?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
You are now subscribed
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Every Friday
GamesRadar+
Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.
Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!
Microsoft is beginning to take the wraps off Project Helix, its newly-teased Xbox console that has been promised to play both Xbox and PC games. While we know very little about the machine for now, new CEO of Microsoft Gaming Asha Sharma says we'll be finding out more at next week's GDC.
Which makes me wonder about the future of the Steam Machine. Valve's own PC gaming living room box has generated a considerable amount of hype since its announcement late last year, and the two now seem closer in goals than might have been initially though.
Assuming I'm comparing apples to apples here, and the new MS machine is a conventional console, not some bizarre extension of Microsoft's "This/Everything is an Xbox" marketing strategy. Could it be a VR headset with jelly controls? Who knows at this point.
Anyway, despite some pricing-related setbacks since its announcement, the Steam Machine is still expected to launch in the first half of 2026.
AMD's recent earnings call made mention of the hardware inside "Microsoft's next-gen Xbox" last month, stating that its semi-custom SOC was "progressing well to support a launch in 2027". So, if schedules remain on track for all involved, the Steam Machine will be available for a considerable amount of time before Microsoft's latest console hits the market.
Being essentially a SteamOS-powered mini PC with a fancy new controller, the Steam Machine has the potential to bring PC gaming to a more console-like, consumer-friendly format far faster than the Xbox machine.
And it'll have Steam's mega back catalogue of games to play with, to boot. What exactly is meant by "play PC games", in regards to the new Xbox, is a very open question at this point. Game Pass games only? Xbox cross-platform games? Or will it be more like the ROG Xbox Ally, with Windows-based agnostic support?
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
However, when it comes to public perception, that Xbox branding carries a lot of weight. While Valve and its Steam platform are very familiar faces to anyone of a PC gaming persuasion, it's still a far less universally-recognised name than Xbox.
The latter is part of the wider public consciousness, in the same way that your grandparents are probably familiar with "PlayStati...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
What do you think about this?