Custom Xbox “Project Helix” systems will be made by MSI and ASUS ROG – leaker claims

Xbox “Project Helix” is looking more PC-like by the day

According to a post by the prominent leaker KeplerL2 (via WCCFTECH), Microsoft will allow 3rd parties to build custom Xbox “Project Helix” machines. These systems will be available alongside official Microsoft consoles. This opens the door to ASUS ROG Xbox consoles, MSI consoles, and Xbox “Helix” consoles from other brands.

Right now, it is unclear what will differentiate these branded consoles from Microsoft’s version. Perhaps they will use alternative cooling solutions and box designs, allowing 3rd parties to produce cooler-running, quieter versions of the system. Alternatively, 3rd party machines could feature larger power supplies and factory overclocks, making them more powerful gaming systems.

Regardless of where the system comes from, Xbox “Project Helix” systems should feature the same basic platform features and software. They should also feature the same “Magnus” silicon.

Microsoft has already worked with ASUS on its ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, so it makes sense to expand this partnership to other products. It also makes sense for Microsoft to extend this partnership to other brands, especially when the system will be compatible with PC games.

With Project Helix, Microsoft appears to be creating a dedicated Xbox/PC hybrid platform that covers both 1st- and 3rd-party gaming hardware. This should make Helix an incredibly varied platform, with some systems having features that others lack. Will some systems have more storage expansion options? Could some systems be faster than others? Will 3rd-party Helix systems be more expensive? Hopefully, Microsoft will clarify things in the near future.

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