As rumors already hinted, the next generation XBOX may not be a single device. This was hinted at by Asha Sharma, CEO of XBOX, who returning to talk about Project Helix used the expression "family of devices": a plural that contrasts with the way the project was presented last March, that is, as a "next-generation console", capable of running PC games as well.

The opportunity came from an interview with the BBC during gamescom, where the executive was asked if Project Helix will be a machine without an optical drive. A direct answer did not come: "We will not share anything else about Helix, I know you had to ask me", Sharma began, adding however that "we are working a great new generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we will tell you more soon". On the front of support for physical media, it should be noted, however, that in recent days Microsoft has announced a program that will allow you to digitize games already owned in physical format.

Understanding what lies behind this wording is not easy. The current generation, after all, has already seen the coexistence of two machines, with XBOX Series X more powerful and equipped with a disc drive and XBOX Series S entirely digital, but Sharma's reference does not necessarily imply a future subdivision of the same type: he rather suggests that Microsoft is preparing a "console" that will see life in many different forms; on the other hand, some of the past rumors also spoke of the fact that OEM manufacturers, such as ASUS and others, could make their own versions of Helix, with different appearances and features from each other. A rumor that Jason Ronald, VP of next generation of XBOX, has not really denied, limiting himself to specifying that "Project Helix will be available as a first party XBOX console", but not denying that it will also be available as a third party product.

Some more clues come from the already known agreements: in 2025 Microsoft and AMD had announced a "multi-year strategic partnership" to work together on "a portfolio of devices", including next-generation consoles, which makes it plausible that the collaboration also concerns the entire Helix family in some form.

On the release timing of the console (or devices), however, there is still uncertainty, thanks to the great secrecy maintained by the company in a period marked by numerous staff cuts in the gaming division. Sharma in the past had hinted at a possible arrival in the Christmas period of 2027, while in February, shortly before his surprise appointment at the top of XBOX, AMD had made it clear that it was ready to support a launch during that same year; also in March, during a conference, Ronald had however explained that Helix would not reach the alpha phase before 2027. Finally, in June, Sharma herself had acknowledged that the general public will not be willing to spend "thousands of dollars" on a "generation of consoles", anticipating that Microsoft will explore "new business models" looking to the future.

We are therefore waiting for news on Project Helix, which we hope will arrive as soon as possible. After all, Asha herself said "soon we will tell you more"; what did she mean by the end of the year?