Microsoft has provided further clarification regarding its ambitions for the next-generation Xbox. Asha Sharma, CEO of the Xbox division, now states that Project Helix is being developed as a “product family,” rather than a single console. This clarification marks a shift in the company’s official communication, as it had initially presented the codename as referring to the next-generation console. Meanwhile, rumors are swirling not only about the arrival of a Microsoft-made handheld console but also about Xbox-branded products manufactured by other companies.
Asha Sharma made this remark during an interview with BBC News at Gamescom. She was asked whether Project Helix would be a console without a disc drive, but did not answer the question directly. Instead, she confirmed that Microsoft is working on several devices as part of the Helix project. “We’ve been working hard on an excellent next generation and an excellent family of devices […] and we’ll share more details soon,” she said.
An approach consistent with the AMD partnership
The reference to a family of devices also fits within the framework of Microsoft’s partnership with AMD. The two companies had previously described their multi-year agreement as covering a broad product portfolio.
Development of the future console is already underway, but it’s becoming difficult to understand the path Microsoft appears to be charting. Xbox VP Jason Ronald stated that his company plans to deliver alpha versions of Project Helix products to developers starting in 2027. The system will indeed use AMD components and is being developed to run both console and PC games. This dual compatibility aims to streamline the transition for content creators and maximize the adoption of titles across platforms.
When Project Helix was confirmed in March, Sharma presented it as the codename for the company’s “next-generation console.” Microsoft subsequently confirmed that its Helix console would use a custom AMD SoC and support both Xbox console games and PC games. This shift toward a family of devices suggests a broader vision that could potentially include streaming devices, smaller-sized consoles, and perhaps even PCs.
Microsoft has not yet announced specifications, prices, or a release date, and at this time, we have no information on the products that will make up the Helix family. The company is maintaining complete discretion regarding technical and commercial details until the information is ready to be shared with the public and strategic partners.
Key takeaways on the topic
The confirmation of a Helix family opens the door to a variety of products that could meet different user needs. This potentially includes options for mobile gamers or devices optimized for cloud gaming. The flexibility of this approach allows Microsoft to adapt to market changes without being constrained by a single architecture. However, it seems unlikely that Microsoft would embark alone on the creation, manufacturing, and marketing of a full range of gaming hardware.
Native support for PC games on the upcoming console should clearly strengthen Microsoft’s position in the modern gaming ecosystem. It also reinforces the idea—one that’s on many people’s minds— of a convergence between the PC and console worlds.
