Xbox calls next-gen Project Helix a 'family of devices' and dodges Elder Scrolls 6 exclusivity question

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has described the company's upcoming next-generation hardware, known by the codename Project Helix, as a "family of devices," offering the first hint that Microsoft may be planning multiple consoles rather than a single machine when the new generation arrives.

In an interview with the BBC conducted at Gamescom 2026, Sharma discussed the company's approach to the next generation while carefully avoiding a direct answer on whether The Elder Scrolls 6 will be an Xbox exclusive.

"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," Sharma told the BBC. "We will of course continue to push the boundaries of performance. We've talked about being able to not only play your console games, but also play your PC games on your console."

The phrase "family of devices" is a notable shift from previous language around Project Helix, which had been referred to simply as a next-generation console. The phrasing suggests that Microsoft may be planning multiple form factors, though the company has not confirmed what those will be.

A focus on affordability amid a hardware crisis

Sharma placed particular emphasis on affordability and efficiency, framing them as urgent priorities for the entire industry.

"I think in addition all of the industry needs to start to innovate on affordability and efficiency. That is something that we have not had to do," she said. "But with the crisis that's currently happening in hardware and components, it is absolutely something all of us need to be thinking about and innovating on and giving people more choice in terms of how they play their console and how they purchase their console."

The comments come as Microsoft has been raising prices on its existing hardware, partly due to the rising costs of components driven by the AI arms race. The "family of devices" framing raises questions about whether Xbox plans to repeat the dual-console approach of the current generation, which offered the more powerful Xbox Series X alongside the cheaper, less capable Xbox Series S.

Alternatively, the language could hint at a new portable PC gaming device more closely integrated into the Xbox architecture than the existing Asus Xbox Ally handhelds. Rumours have also pointed to Sony pursuing a handheld version of the PlayStation 6, and speculation has mounted that Microsoft may be re-evaluating its own previously shelved plans for an Xbox handheld, particularly given rising component costs and a new leadership team.

Sharma also alluded to different business models for purchasing consoles, comparing the situation to how people buy smartphones, suggesting that alternative payment plans could make next-generation hardware more accessible to a wider audience.

The Elder Scrolls 6 exclusivity question remains unanswered

When pressed on whether The Elder Scrolls 6, one of the most anticipated games in development, would be exclusive to Xbox, Sharma deflected.

"Every platform needs some form of exclusive experiences and content," she said. "And so what we've shared is Gears and Clockwork. We're going to do the best we can to continue to do that, all in the context of the b..."

The interview was cut off mid-sentence, but the response was notable for what it did not say. Sharma did not confirm that The Elder Scrolls 6 would be exclusive, nor did she rule it out. Instead, she pointed to previously announced exclusive titles like Gears and Clockwork, while leaving the door open for future announcements.

The question of exclusivity has become increasingly fraught for Xbox as the company has expanded its publishing arm and released more games on rival platforms. The BBC interviewer noted that Sharma smiled when asked about The Elder Scrolls 6, acknowledging that it is a question many people are asking.

What we know about Project Helix

Details about Project Helix remain scarce. The codename has been in circulation for some time, but the BBC interview represents the first time Sharma has publicly referred to it as a "family of devices." The system is increasingly sounding like a PC-hybrid machine that can play both PC and Xbox console games, according to reports.

No release date, price, or technical specifications have been announced. The full interview with the BBC is expected to contain additional details about Xbox's next-generation plans.