Xbox CEO: next-gen Helix will be a family of devices, not one console

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared new details about the company's next-generation gaming platform, previously known under the codename Project Helix. When Sharma first announced it in March, it was described as a "next generation console" in singular terms, but it now appears the project actually covers an entire family of devices.

"We've been hard at work on a great next generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we'll share more soon," Sharma told BBC News. She gave this answer when asked whether Helix would be a discless console. She didn't directly address that specific question, though Microsoft announced a program for digitizing physical games that same week.

Partnership with AMD

In 2025, Microsoft and AMD announced a multi-year strategic partnership to jointly develop a "portfolio of devices," including Microsoft's next-generation console. This suggests the two companies are likely collaborating on this Helix family of devices as well.

Rumors have circulated that third parties might also be able to sell their own Project Helix devices. Xbox's VP of next generation, Jason Ronald, did not directly deny this, instead stating that Project Helix will be available as a "1st party Xbox console" — language that doesn't rule out other manufacturers' devices existing alongside it.

It remains unclear when Project Helix, which will be capable of running PC games, might actually launch. In February, AMD hinted it would be ready to support a 2027 launch of Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, while in March Ronald said Helix wouldn't reach the alpha stage until 2027.