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Harrison Ford’s involvement with science fiction is notable, but that’s what happens when you portray the scruffy nerf herder Han Solo and outshine the likes of Jack Nicholson, Paul Newman, and Sean Connery for a role in “Blade Runner.” Although the iconic actor has often downplayed the cinematic legacies he contributed to, they undeniably solidified the career he enjoys today. Nevertheless, looking back, there’s one sci-fi amalgamation that had all the necessary elements to become a wildly successful venture yet instead turned out to be a box-office disappointment of cosmic proportions.

In 2011, Ford joined forces with Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, and Sam Rockwell in the Jon Favreau-directed comic book adaptation, “Cowboys & Aliens.” At this juncture in his career, Favreau was thriving, having laid the groundwork for the Marvel Cinematic Universe through his direction of “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” in 2008 and 2010. Shifting focus to another section of the comic book realm, “Cowboys & Aliens” was based on a 2006 sci-fi Western, casting Craig as a memory-impaired outlaw who, alongside a rancher (Ford), must defend themselves against extraterrestrial threats armed with far more than just revolvers. Unfortunately, despite the potential for a thrilling adventure, viewers didn’t fully resonate with the film, primarily due to the stiff competition it faced.

Cowboys & Aliens struggled at the box office

With a production budget of $163 million, “Cowboys & Aliens” barely managed to cover its costs, earning around $176 million at the box office, according to The Numbers. The film faced fierce rivalry upon its release in late July 2021, with Chris Evans debuting as the iconic superhero in “Captain America: The First Avenger” — a universe Ford would later join – and losing the top position to “The Smurfs.” This was also the week preceding our introduction to the chest-thumping leader, Caesar (Andy Serkis) in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” adding to the robust competition.

Even when sharing the same timeframe as Smurfs and intelligent apes, “Cowboys & Aliens” failed to impress critics. It garnered a mere 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Time Out stating, “what began as ‘True Grit’-meets-‘War of the Worlds’ ultimately resembles — dare we say it — ‘Wild Wild West.'” Slate also viewed the film as a squandered chance, remarking that, “it’s amusing to consider what ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ could have been had any creativity ventured beyond the title page.”

While Ford attempted another foray into science fiction two years later with the similarly received “Ender’s Game,” by 2015 he would return to his roots with “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which remains his most successful film to date. This demonstrates that, despite all the film’s flaws, the nerf herder is truly all we require.

# ‘Xbox Mode’ Is Set to Transform Your PC Into A Gaming Console

There have been numerous [rumors circulating regarding the next Xbox console](https://www.bgr.com/2116738/new-xbox-console-pc-games-support-confirmed/) for some time now. Reports suggest these claims hold weight, as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma affirmed the new console, codenamed “Project Helix,” earlier this month. During the 2026 Game Developer Conference (GDC), additional information about Microsoft’s ambitions with the forthcoming console emerged, highlighting how Microsoft and Xbox aim to enhance the interaction between players and games across the various platforms within Microsoft’s ecosystem.

One strategy to implement this vision is through the “Xbox Mode” on Windows 11. This initiative could serve to further close the divide between Microsoft’s consoles and PCs, particularly as the tech giant strengthens its commitment to enable its next console to support both PC and Xbox titles. According to Jason Ronald, the Vice President of Next Generation at Xbox, the new PC mode is set to begin rolling out in April in select regions.

Moreover, Ronald mentioned that Xbox Mode will feature a user interface akin to that of the ROG Xbox Ally models, even describing the UI on the handheld PCs as an “early version” of the upcoming feature. Given Microsoft’s communication about Project Helix, it wouldn’t be surprising if this Xbox Mode experience becomes what we ultimately see on the company’s soon-to-be-released hardware.

## Creating a more interconnected Xbox experience

By connecting the Xbox handheld gaming PC with Windows systems, Microsoft could be laying the groundwork for Project Helix, further supported by recent reports indicating a shift away from its “This is an Xbox” messaging. The initial announcement for the 2024 campaign, intended to showcase how Xbox games could operate across various platforms, has since been removed. Therefore, the new leadership at Xbox likely hasn’t abandoned the console just yet.

If you haven’t explored the [ROG Xbox Ally X](https://www.bgr.com/1997323/rog-xbox-ally-x-review/), its interface closely resembles that of the Xbox app — featuring a side-oriented navigation bar. Nevertheless, the graphics exhibit a style that feels somewhat similar to the Steam Deck’s menu, making navigation simpler than the default Xbox app. Additionally, when using the Ally and Ally X, the interface entirely detaches you from desktop mode, allowing for easier navigation of options and buttons using your Xbox controller. The nearest equivalent on Windows right now is probably Steam’s Big Picture mode, which simplifies interacting with the popular gaming software via a controller.

## The future of Xbox merges console and computer

Project Helix faces the task of revitalizing the underwhelming reign of the Xbox Series X. Ronald disclosed that the company anticipates shipping prototypes of the next console to developers as early as 2027. The rollout of Xbox Mode on Windows 11 will serve as a solid step towards familiarizing users with what to anticipate from Project Helix, providing Microsoft the opportunity to gauge its performance in the hands of everyday gamers.

In addition, early exposure to the platform’s design may attract users to choose the console for their living room, alleviating concerns about building a PC — particularly if Microsoft can offer it at an appealing price point. While Microsoft has yet to disclose further information on pricing, the [current chip shortages](https://www.bgr.com/2012625/ai-chip-shortages-could-lead-to-more-expensive-smartphones/) make low prices appear highly unlikely.