Redmond: Microsoft’s Xbox division could offer gamers more hardware choices in its next console generation, with plans pointing towards a family of devices rather than a single traditional gaming console. Xbox chief executive Asha Sharma has indicated that the company intends to build a powerful home console while also exploring options for players who prefer gaming on the move.
The strategy is centred on Project Helix, Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox platform. Sharma reportedly shared the plans during an internal town hall meeting with employees, outlining a broader approach to hardware development for the company’s tenth-generation gaming ecosystem.
The comments suggest that Microsoft is considering different types of gaming devices to serve players with varying needs, although the company has not yet announced a complete product lineup, pricing or launch dates.
Xbox Project Helix could extend beyond one console
Sharma described the next generation as a “family of devices”, signalling that Project Helix may eventually cover more than one form factor.
The company still intends to prioritise a dedicated console, but the strategy also recognises that some players want to enjoy games while travelling or away from their televisions.
“There is not one device that fits all,” Sharma reportedly said, emphasising the need to cater to different gaming preferences. She also indicated that Microsoft would manufacture certain products itself while working with external partners on others.
This approach could allow Xbox to expand its reach without requiring every customer to purchase the same type of hardware. A conventional home console could cater to players seeking a dedicated living-room experience, while portable devices could appeal to those who value mobility.
However, Microsoft has not confirmed exactly which devices will form part of the Project Helix family. A dedicated handheld Xbox remains a possibility suggested by the comments, rather than an officially announced product.
Portable gaming could become a bigger part of Xbox
The reference to players who are frequently on the move has drawn attention to the possibility of more Xbox-compatible handheld devices.
Portable gaming has become an increasingly visible part of the industry, with products such as Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Switch range offering alternatives to conventional home consoles. Microsoft has also worked with Asus on the ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming devices, giving the company experience with a portable Windows-based gaming experience.
A broader Xbox hardware strategy could build on that experience. Rather than limiting the brand to a single device designed primarily for the living room, Microsoft could explore partnerships that bring Xbox gaming to additional hardware formats.
Such products might appeal to commuters, frequent travellers and players who want access to their games in different locations. The exact capabilities, compatibility and design of any future portable Xbox device remain unknown.
It is also unclear whether Microsoft will introduce a handheld designed entirely in-house, work with existing hardware partners or pursue both approaches.
Project Helix is expected to bridge console and PC gaming
Another important part of Microsoft’s next-generation strategy is the relationship between console and PC gaming.
Microsoft has previously described Project Helix as a platform intended to support both Xbox console games and PC games. This could help bring the two gaming environments closer together and potentially give players access to a broader range of titles through compatible hardware.
A shared software environment could also make it easier for Microsoft to develop a connected family of devices. If different products use a common operating system and gaming ecosystem, the company could offer different hardware experiences while maintaining a recognisable Xbox platform.
Sharma reportedly expressed confidence in the operating system’s development, saying it was beginning to look good and that the company was excited about its progress.
Nevertheless, important details remain unconfirmed, including how the user interface will work across different devices, which PC gaming storefronts will be supported and whether all products will offer the same game compatibility.
Microsoft leaves room for hardware partnerships
Sharma’s comments also indicate that Microsoft does not intend to manufacture every device in the next-generation lineup itself.
The company plans to build on areas where it has strong manufacturing capabilities while partnering with other businesses for products that benefit from external expertise. The existing collaboration with Asus on ROG Xbox Ally devices offers an example of how Xbox branding and services can be combined with hardware produced by a partner.
Partnerships could give Microsoft flexibility to explore different device designs and price points. They could also allow the Xbox ecosystem to reach customers who might not otherwise buy a traditional console.
The company has not disclosed potential partners for future Project Helix products or explained how responsibilities for manufacturing, software support and distribution would be divided.
Launch date and prices remain unknown
Despite the emerging details, Microsoft has not confirmed when Project Helix will reach consumers or how much the next-generation hardware will cost.
The company has also not published a final list of devices, technical specifications or a schedule for future announcements. Reports have discussed a possible launch in 2027, but this remains unconfirmed and should not be treated as an official release date.
Pricing will be another important consideration. A wider product family could give Microsoft more ways to address different budgets, but the company has not announced whether it intends to offer lower-cost hardware alongside a premium console.
For now, Sharma’s comments establish the direction of Xbox’s next-generation thinking rather than a finished product plan. The central idea is to retain a dedicated console while potentially expanding into additional devices for players with different gaming habits.
If Microsoft follows through, Project Helix could mark a broader shift in how Xbox delivers its gaming experience. Until further announcements arrive, however, the exact mix of consoles, handhelds and partner-made products remains uncertain.