Console Shock Podcast 160: Steam Machine vs Xbox ‘Project Helix’

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of Microsoft's Project Helix and its potential to merge Xbox and PC gaming.

Retro and current gen gaming chat, with Trev and Stu, its the Console Shockcast! At GDC 2026, Microsoft gave us our first taste of Project Helix, the next-generation Xbox. It looks set to be an extremely powerful, PC-like console — but what does that actually mean in the living room? Will we be staring at a Windows desktop with a controller in hand on the sofa? Trev and Stu speculate… Stu is blown away to discover there are actually three games in the Wave Race series! Grand Theft Auto IV is getting incredible mods, and Stu gives them a try. Project Helix: Can Microsoft finally unite Xbox and PC gaming? Helix can play PC games — but what does that really mean? Can you install Steam on it? Could Microsoft lock Helix down, with Game Pass as the only route to PC titles? Will Helix be a better Steam Machine than the Steam Machine? Our thoughts on Sony (allegedly) stepping back from the PC market. Is a PS6 worth buying just for exclusives when Helix could offer so much variety? Check out Trev and Al’s other podcast where they reminisce about everything Star Trek! : https://longrangesensors.com/episodes Intro/Outro Music – Turn The Page (Tutorial Theme) – Ridge Racer…

People in this episode

Hosts: Trev, Stu

Topics covered

• Steam Machine
• Xbox Project Helix
• gaming
• mods
• PC gaming

Keywords

• GDC 2026
• Wave Race series
• Grand Theft Auto IV
• Game Pass

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Steam Machine vs, Project Helix, the Console Shockcast, Xbox, Wave Race, Grand Theft Auto IV, Helix, Steam, Game Pass, Steam Machine

Books & works: Console Shock Podcast, Star Trek

More episodes of Console Shock, Retro and Modern Gaming Chat.

• Console Shock Podcast 161: Marchintosh 2026 · April 10, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Console Shock Podcast 159: What we’ve been playing · February 27, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Console Shock Podcast 158: Steam Deck 2 Wishlist · February 12, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Console Shock Podcast 157: End of year and 2026 catch-up! · January 17, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Console Shock Podcast 156: Xbox 360 20th Anniversary · December 14, 2025 · 1h 9m
• Console Shock Podcast 155: Valve Steam Machine · November 14, 2025 · 1h 3m