Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly described Project Helix as a “great console,” while emphasizing that Microsoft’s next-generation hardware strategy will extend beyond a single device.

According to a transcript of an internal Xbox town hall from early October 2026, Sharma referred to the upcoming “Gen-10” generation as a “family of devices.” She reportedly told employees that Microsoft will “certainly have a great console first,” but intends to develop hardware aimed at different types of players. Microsoft first formally revealed Project Helix earlier in 2026 as the successor to the Xbox Series X/S. The system is being developed with a custom AMD design and is intended to run both Xbox console games and PC titles. Microsoft has said that developer alpha units are expected to begin shipping in 2027, although the company has not announced a consumer release window.

Next-Generation Xbox Could Include Multiple Devices
Sharma’s latest comments reportedly provide additional insight into Microsoft’s broader hardware plans. She explained that there is “not one device that fits all,” suggesting that the company does not expect a single console to meet the needs of every player.
She also pointed to the growing demand for portable gaming, saying that “many players will be on the go,” according to the town hall transcript cited by Windows Central. The comments indicate that Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox strategy could extend beyond a traditional home console and include additional types of hardware.

Handheld Could Be Part of the Xbox Helix Family
The transcript also suggests that Microsoft plans to work with external partners to produce some of its next-generation hardware. “There are some things that we are the best in the world to manufacture, and there are other things that we will partner on,” Sharma reportedly said.A handheld device could potentially be one of the products developed through such a partnership. Microsoft previously worked with ASUS on the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld PCs in 2025. Those devices were presented as an example of combining Xbox's gaming ecosystem with ASUS's existing expertise in handheld hardware.

Microsoft's plans for a multi-device generation are not entirely new. Sharma previously referred to the next Xbox generation as a “family of devices” during an interview with the BBC in late August 2026. However, the October town hall reportedly provided further details about how Microsoft intends to approach the strategy. Several questions about Project Helix remain unanswered. Previous reports citing industry insiders have suggested that the next-generation Xbox could potentially support third-party digital storefronts beyond the Xbox Store. It is also still unclear whether Microsoft's future hardware will continue to support physical games.

Physical Games Remain Uncertain
Microsoft's approach to physical media is another unresolved aspect of the Xbox Helix generation. The company recently expanded its Xbox Disc-to-Digital program, indicating that access to existing physical game libraries remains part of its wider ecosystem strategy. However, the program does not confirm whether any Project Helix device will include a disc drive or cartridge slot. One possible approach would be for Microsoft to release a digital-only console while offering a separate, optional disc reader. Microsoft has previously released digital-only Xbox hardware, while Sony has also used a separate disc-drive approach with some of its consoles.

For now, Microsoft has not confirmed which Project Helix devices will be released, whether a handheld will be part of the lineup, or whether future Xbox hardware will retain physical game support.