Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Unveils Project Helix Hardware Strategy

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that the next generation of gaming hardware, codenamed Project Helix, will consist of a family of devices rather than a single console. While Sharma stated Microsoft will prioritize a great console first, the lineup will include other devices to cater to players who are on the go. The initiative involves a multi-year partnership with AMD to develop gaming-optimized chips using Ryzen and Radeon technology for consoles, handhelds, PCs, and cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft plans to ship alpha units to developers in 2027, though a consumer release date remains unconfirmed. Sharma noted that the new operating system is progressing well and that Game Pass will become more flexible. To support this hardware shift, Microsoft will manufacture some components internally while partnering with other companies for specific devices, continuing a strategy similar to the ROG Xbox Ally X collaboration with Asus.

These announcements come as Sharma reports that the Xbox division has returned to growth after hitting an all-time low in revenue and player engagement. Since taking over on February 20, Sharma has implemented a drastic restructuring that included cutting between 1,800 and 3,200 jobs, divesting several studios, and removing day-one Game Pass access for future Call of Duty titles. She attributed the recovery to a strategic pivot away from a previous Game Pass model that had sent profitability into freefall, supported by the strong performance of titles such as Gears of War: E-Day and Minecraft Dungeons II.