hardware features Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Project Helix will make things easier for game devs, says indie program lead, because “one Xbox build” is all you need

Chris Charla, with 16 years at Xbox and 13 years in the ID@Xbox program, discussed Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox system. It will allow users to play both PC and Xbox games, contrasting with competitors like Sony. At the Game Developers Conference, he highlighted the goal of simplifying game launches, enabling developers to create a single build for Xbox, PC, and cloud platforms. Project Helix will support easy PC and cloud gaming. Charla mentioned that developers currently working on Xbox and PC will benefit from Project Helix, with support for Xbox API, backend integration, and marketing. The system is expected to release in 2027 or 2028, and it may resemble a "gaming PC" running Windows 11.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Xbox Exec Explains How Project Helix Will Bridge the Xbox/PC Game Development Gap

Microsoft has unveiled the alpha version of its new console hardware for Project Helix at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Project Helix aims to eliminate the boundaries between console and PC gaming, allowing the new Xbox consoles to support both Xbox and PC games. Chris Carla, the general manager of portfolio and programs at Xbox, explained that developers will be able to create a single game build that works across multiple platforms, including PC, Project Helix, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This approach resembles the previous universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and the Xbox Play Anywhere initiative, which allowed cross-platform functionality. Carla advised developers to focus on creating Xbox console and PC versions to prepare for the next generation. He suggested that PC developers might find it more efficient to start with the PC build before optimizing for Project Helix. There are concerns about whether developers will be incentivized to create native Project Helix games if existing PC titles run well on the new console. Microsoft has not yet clarified its online multiplayer paywall policy for Project Helix games.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

Qualcomm Overhauls Windows on Arm Gaming with Downloadable GPU Drivers and AVX2 Support

Qualcomm has decoupled GPU updates from Microsoft's OS release cycle, allowing Snapdragon X Elite owners to download graphics drivers directly, which aligns the company with industry standards set by Nvidia and AMD. The company has transitioned to a direct "Upgradable Graphics Drivers" (UGD) model, enabling immediate access to driver updates through Qualcomm’s portal. The beta "Adreno Control Panel" has been rebranded to the "Snapdragon Control Panel," which now includes game-specific profiling and optimization features. Qualcomm has also integrated support for AVX and AVX2 instruction sets, addressing compatibility issues with games like God of War and Control. Kernel-level anti-cheat support has been introduced, making multiplayer gaming more accessible on Arm-based systems. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is set to launch in the first half of 2026, promising "Day 0" driver support and the ability to run 90% of top games, with performance expectations to outperform Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Forget Steam Frame, you can get up to $70 off the Meta Quest 3S in this early Black Friday sale

The Meta Quest 3 is highlighted for its affordability, solid hardware, and a rich library of exclusive games. The Meta Quest 3S, a budget-friendly alternative, is currently available at a discount as part of early Black Friday promotions. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and improved weight distribution. The Meta Quest 3S is rated 7/10 and is recommended for first-time buyers or those upgrading from the Quest 2. It supports standalone and PCVR gaming, allowing access to titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Deadpool VR, as well as streaming PCVR games. The 128GB model is priced at 9.99 on Amazon, bundled with a Gorilla Tag skin and a three-month trial of the Horizon+ service, while the 256GB version is available for 9.99, including the same trial and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. The discount is part of an early Black Friday sale, suggesting availability until December 1, 2025.