Xbox CEO teases 'great console first' for Project Helix as next-gen race heats up
The next Xbox console is shrouded in secrecy, as is the PlayStation 6, but the occasional tease from CEO Asha Sharma is enough to keep the hype train moving.
In a recent town hall, Sharma addressed Microsoft staff and spoke about the past, present and future of Xbox, including plans for a “family” of devices tied to Project Helix.
As reported by WindowsCentral, Sharma noted a vast improvement in both the company’s ideals and approach, in addition to the perception from fans.
Some of the latest first-party releases like Gears of War: E-Day were praised, but it was talk of future consoles that really stood out on the transcript.
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"We are moving to a family of devices for Gen-10” began Sharma. “There is not one device that fits all. We will certainly have a great console first, but we also know that many players will be on the go. There are some things that we are the best in the world to manufacture, and there are other things that we will partner on. So, we will be sharing more about that as our plans develop. The operating system is starting to look really good. We're very excited about this."
A lot can be gleaned from this. We already knew the next-gen console would be exactly that: a console, but with so much talk of a multi-platform approach from Xbox, we’re dying to learn more about what else will be on offer.
There’s a lot of speculation that Project Helix will be a console that’ll also act as a PC, possibly supporting other store launchers like Steam and Epic Games.
It sounds like another ROG is in development too, which makes sense given the success Xbox has had with that partnership so far.
Xbox’s multi-platform approach and focus on games and players could give it an edge in Gen 10
There are still a lot of concerns for the next generation of console gaming. For starters, you’ve got the price as hardware costs aren’t going down anytime soon. Then you’ve got both companies fighting over some of the worst potential features we’ve ever heard of.
That said while PlayStation hasn’t been doing itself any favours there’s been a real change in Xbox over the last year or so.
Speaking as a near lifelong Xbox fan, it feels like the glory days of the company are making a return. New games like Gears of War: E-Day are successfully carrying the first-party touch, and new adventures like its partnership with Kojima Productions are making the future feel exciting again.
I think it’ll still be prone to a few failures later down the road. I’d be very, very surprised if Project Helix’s price doesn’t make gamers grimace, but it’s nice to hear alternative options are being considered.
Gen 10 will still be competitive, but based on what we’ve seen of Xbox throughout 2026 and what we’ve heard through this latest town hall, it seems to be on the right track. Please don’t botch Halo again though; I beg.
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Topics: Xbox, Xbox Series X, PC