Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently spoke on Xbox’s direction, including the upcoming next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix. She touched on several topics, but one detail stood out, even if it’s something many likely expected.
During this Game File interview conducted by Stephen Totilo, Sharma was asked when we could expect Project Helix to launch and whether ongoing memory shortages could impact it. In response, she said:
"All of these things are an equation. Memory costs will impact pricing, will impact availability. As we think about being where the world plays, we will take that into consideration. So we're not ready to share a launch timeline right now."
Sharma continues, "The world's pretty dynamic. My number one focus, though, is to focus on what's in our control, build a great console to play great games, including your PC games".
It’s no secret that rising memory costs are affecting multiple industries. Even companies like Valve faced similar challenges, with delays tied to increasing component costs.
When asked about a release date for Xbox’s Project Helix, Sharma didn't reveal anything beyond what we already know.
All I can share is that we have development kits going out next year, and we're working really hard and have a lot to continue to do and a lot continue to learn. But we're really excited about Project Helix and the initial feedback that we're getting
Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma
For context, Xbox Series X and Series S development kits arrived in late 2019 (via Stuff), before the consoles' eventual release in November 2020.
Based on that timeline, an aggressive target could put Project Helix on track for a late 2027 release. However, given rising memory costs, it wouldn't surprise me if it slipped further. We’ve even seen rumors swirl (via Push Square) that Sony could push back its PlayStation 6 release, though those are just rumors.
Honestly, my thoughts are that I’d rather see Project Helix launch as cheap as possible, and if that means a 2028 release, so be it.
Xbox still has a lot of work to do, not just with Project Helix, but with its reputation. While the past couple of months have been a positive shift, and trust me, it has been refreshing to have more good things to say, there’s still a lot of groundwork left to do.
With that said, enough about my thoughts. Let me know what you think.
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