Microsoft suggests that its upcoming Xbox may consist of multiple consoles.

      Your next Xbox could have companions

      Microsoft may be rethinking the typical design of an Xbox console. Instead of opting for a single successor to the Xbox Series X|S, the company seems to be developing a wider variety of hardware under the name Project Helix.

      This information was shared by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma during an interview with BBC News at Gamescom 2026. Sharma referred to Helix as a “great family of devices,” implying that Microsoft’s plans for next-generation hardware go beyond just one traditional console for the living room.

      Microsoft has previously confirmed that Project Helix is the codename for its next-generation Xbox platform, but Sharma’s latest remarks give the clearest indication yet that the project may encompass multiple devices. The company has not yet revealed what these products will be or how they will be different.

      Microsoft appears to be creating an Xbox family

      While Sharma did not disclose specific hardware details in the interview, she did mention that Xbox has been working on a “great family of devices” for Helix and promised that more information will be shared soon. She also reaffirmed that Xbox aims to “continue to push the boundaries of performance.”

      This opens up many possibilities for speculation. A traditional high-end console might coexist with a more affordable version, a handheld device, or other formats, although Microsoft has not confirmed any of these options.

      The timing is particularly noteworthy since the console market is already shifting away from the concept that every generation must focus on a single fixed box under the TV. Microsoft's strategy increasingly integrates consoles, PCs, cloud gaming, and portable devices, making a wider range of hardware a logical extension of that approach. However, one question remains: will the next Xbox still include a disc drive?

      The next Xbox may not pursue Sony’s digital-only direction

      Sharma’s comments were part of a response to a question about whether the next Xbox will be a disc-free console. According to The Verge, she did not provide a direct answer, leaving this issue unresolved.

      This question is becoming more significant as Sony heads toward a fully digital PlayStation strategy. It was also recently reported that Sony plans to stop producing disc-based games for PlayStation by 2028.

      For Xbox users, the implications could be considerable. A move toward digital-only hardware could diminish the value of physical game collections, while a range of devices could offer players more options for how and where they play.

      Microsoft has stated that developers should begin receiving early versions of Helix hardware next year, indicating that the company is progressing from broad promises to tangible development hardware.

      For now, though, Xbox is keeping the most crucial details under wraps. We know that Project Helix represents a family, not merely a device. What Microsoft includes within that family – and whether any of those products will accommodate your game discs – should become clearer as the company prepares to disclose more information.