Regardless of how many of us fear its imminent arrival, the next generation of consoles is within touching distance.
You could argue that it’s already underway given the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 launched last year.
The console race, traditionally though, refers to the head-to-head between Xbox and PlayStation.
While supposed specifications of the PlayStation 6 have leaked, the console has largely been kept under wraps by Sony with very little known about its timeline.
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The frontrunner, then, is Xbox’s codenamed Project Helix which is set to arrive by 2027 at the latest with a partial reveal of the console now confirmed for next week.
Tune Into Xbox Game Dev on Thursday 7 April For A Sneak Preview
On Thursday 7 April, Xbox will stream an Xbox Game Dev update and while these are typically aimed at developers, anyone can tune in.
The stream promises to offer “a closer look at Project Helix” with vice president of next generation Jason Ronald and general manager of portfolio and programmes Chris Charla.
This includes “what it means for devs”, so we’re likely looking at a deep dive on some of the console’s specifications.
It’s rumoured that Project Helix is a console and PC hybrid, potentially offering access to both Xbox and Steam, much like the Xbox ROG Ally and Ally X.
There are plenty of people itching to get clarification on this as gamers decide which next-generation bit of kit is for them, as we’ve also got the Steam Machine in the mix.
The stream could also potentially make reference to things like graphics capabilities and related upscaling technologies.
Given the fact that the stream is aimed at developers, it’s perhaps highly unlikely that we’ll actually see what Project Helix looks like.
There’s a chance a visual aid might not be provided at all but if there is one, it’ll likely be a dev kit and dev kits, if you don’t know, look nothing like the finished consumer product.
The full unveiling of the console will be held, I’d imagine, for a mainstream showcase with this summer’s Xbox Showcase being a strong contender.
That’s due to be held on Sunday 7 June at 6pm BST / 10am PDT / 1pm EDT. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest updates live.
Next week’s Xbox Game Dev update will, if you’re interested, also include speakers from Game Developers Conference touching upon “Xbox developer tools, DirectX State of the Union, Xbox Marketplace updates, and GDC highlights”.
Xbox’s new head Asha Sharma has certainly put her stamp on things rather rapidly following initial doubt surrounding her AI background and lack of gaming experience.
Since replacing Phil Spencer, though, Sharma has shifted away from the ‘This is an Xbox’ campaign, reduced the price of Game Pass, overseen an overhaul of achievements, and is in the midst of reevaluating game exclusivity and what’s best for the brand.
Xbox has fallen from favour in recent years but, thankfully, things seem to be back on track.
READ MORE: Xbox Hardware Gets Nifty Visual Boost As New Upscaling Technology Launches