Xbox CEO Confirms Project Helix Is a Device Family

Project Helix is the codename for the next-generation gaming hardware initiative from Microsoft's Xbox division, first officially surfaced by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Initially described as the "next generation console," the project has been redefined as a "family of devices" rather than a singular box, according to Sharma's recent statements. The initiative aims to solve the challenge of unifying console and PC gaming ecosystems under a single hardware portfolio.

Key Facts

Project Helix represents Microsoft's strategic approach to next-generation gaming hardware, encompassing multiple device form factors rather than a single traditional console. The following table outlines the confirmed details from official statements and interviews.

What Is Project Helix?

Project Helix is Microsoft's codename for its next-generation Xbox hardware strategy, encompassing a "family of devices" rather than a single console. The project was first officially named by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who initially referred to it as the "next generation console" before expanding the definition to include multiple devices.

In an interview with the BBC, journalist Laura Cress asked whether the device would be discless. Sharma did not answer that specific question directly, instead stating: "we're not sharing more on Helix … but, look, 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." The segment appears around the 4:44 mark of the interview. Notably, Xbox has recently announced a disc-to-digital feature that allows console owners to digitise their physical game libraries.

Project Helix is officially defined as a family of devices for the next-generation Xbox, confirmed by CEO Asha Sharma in a BBC interview.

How Does the AMD Partnership Support Project Helix?

AMD and Microsoft entered into a long-term partnership last year to co-engineer silicon across a "portfolio of devices," including consoles. This partnership was initially interpreted as covering devices beyond traditional consoles, with the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and its variants cited as examples of this collaboration.

Sharma's recent statements suggest that the next generation of consoles itself will be a portfolio of devices, in addition to third-party additions like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X. AMD CEO Lisa Su has previously stated that the next-generation Xbox remains on track for a 2027 release. The exact specifications and device count within the Helix family remain undisclosed.

AMD's long-term co-engineering partnership with Microsoft supports a portfolio of devices, with the next-generation Xbox still on track for a 2027 release per AMD CEO Lisa Su.

What Features Are Confirmed for Project Helix?

Confirmed features for Project Helix include the ability to play PC games, as reiterated by Sharma in the BBC interview. The device family will be part of a broader portfolio that includes third-party hardware like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, which received a 20th-anniversary edition with an OLED display.

The discless question remains unanswered, though Xbox's recent disc-to-digital feature announcement suggests a shift toward digital distribution. The naming scheme for the device family has not been announced, with Sharma noting that the company will "share more soon." The full scope of the device family, including whether it includes handhelds, traditional consoles, or streaming devices, has not been detailed.

Project Helix will include the ability to play PC games, but the full feature set and device lineup remain undisclosed as of the latest announcements.

Who Is This For?

Project Helix targets existing Xbox console owners, PC gamers, and users interested in hybrid gaming devices. The family-of-devices approach suggests Microsoft is aiming to serve multiple gaming preferences, from traditional console players to those seeking portable or PC-integrated experiences.

The inclusion of PC game compatibility and the existing ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X partnership indicates a focus on bridging console and PC gaming communities. The 2027 release window gives Microsoft and AMD time to develop the silicon and device portfolio, though specific target demographics and pricing have not been announced.

Project Helix is designed for gamers seeking a unified Xbox experience across multiple device form factors, including traditional consoles and PC-compatible hardware.

Common Questions

Will Project Helix be a discless console?

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma did not answer the discless question directly in the BBC interview, stating only that the company is "not sharing more on Helix." Xbox has recently announced a disc-to-digital feature for existing consoles, but the physical media support for Project Helix remains unconfirmed.

When will Project Helix launch?

AMD CEO Lisa Su has stated that the next-generation Xbox is on track for a 2027 release. Sharma has not provided a specific launch date, saying the company will "share more soon" regarding the family of devices.

What devices are included in the Project Helix family?

The full device lineup has not been announced. Sharma confirmed it will be a "family of devices" rather than a singular console, and the AMD partnership covers a "portfolio of devices." The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is an example of existing third-party hardware in this ecosystem.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original reporting from Lowyat.NET, which sourced information from a BBC interview with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma conducted by journalist Laura Cress. The interview is available via BBC's official YouTube channel. Additional details were drawn from prior Lowyat.NET coverage of the AMD-Microsoft partnership and the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X.

Direct quotes are reproduced verbatim from the source material. Release timeline information attributed to AMD CEO Lisa Su is preserved as reported. This article was last updated on February 2026.