Xbox CTO Pushes Back on Reports of Project Helix OS Conflict

Xbox CTO Scott Van Vliet has confirmed that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console, Project Helix, will run on Windows, while disputing reports of disagreements between the Xbox and Windows teams over the operating system.

His comments follow a Fortune report suggesting that the two teams clashed over the software direction for Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox handheld.

Van Vliet said the report “misrepresents both the technical work and the relationship between the teams,” emphasizing that Xbox and Windows engineers are working closely together.

Project Helix will use a Windows-based operating system

Van Vliet confirmed that Project Helix’s operating system will be built on Windows, although he did not provide details about its interface or features.

That does not necessarily mean the console will offer a traditional Windows desktop experience. Current Xbox Series X|S consoles already use a modified version of Windows that Microsoft has customized specifically for gaming.

Microsoft has not confirmed whether Project Helix will feature a console-style interface, a Windows desktop, or a combination of both.

What sparked reports of internal disagreements?

Fortune previously reported that Windows executives wanted Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox handheld to run a streamlined version of Windows Home.

However, the Xbox team reportedly wanted greater control over the operating system to optimize gaming performance.

Van Vliet’s response challenges the report’s characterization of the relationship between the teams, but it does not clarify the final software design for either device.

Microsoft has yet to publicly demonstrate Project Helix’s operating system or user interface.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is pushing Xbox trade-ins amid hardware shortages, while a separate report suggests that private equity firms considered buying Xbox for as much as $150 billion.

Via Pure Xbox