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| Concept of Project Helix console shown |
The future of Xbox hardware has become one of the most hotly debated topics in the gaming industry. With the next-generation console—codenamed Project Helix—rumored to be a radical hybrid between a traditional console and a Windows PC, some analysts have speculated that it could represent the end of the line for Microsoft’s first-party gaming systems.
However, despite the skepticism and the high stakes involved, a prominent insider is pouring cold water on the idea that this will be Xbox’s swan song. New comments from a trusted source, combined with recent statements from Microsoft Gaming’s new CEO, suggest that the company is doubling down on its hardware ambitions for years to come.
"They’re Going to Keep Making Them"
The reassurance comes from Windows Central’s Jez Corden, a journalist with a proven track record of breaking Xbox-related news. Speaking on a recent episode of the Xbox Two podcast, Corden delivered a confident and unequivocal statement regarding the longevity of Microsoft’s hardware division.
You can hear Corden’s full remarks in the podcast episode here:
Listen to the Xbox Two Podcast discussion
“I know it’s not the last console,” Corden stated firmly. “I don’t think it’s going to be an issue. Like, they’re going to keep making them.”
His comments directly counter the prevailing narrative that a single misstep with the upcoming device could spell the end for Xbox as a hardware manufacturer. Corden’s assertion aligns neatly with the vision laid out by Asha Sharma, who recently took over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Sharma has publicly recommitted to hardware, signaling that consoles remain a "crucial focus" for the brand despite the company’s aggressive push into cloud gaming and multi-platform software sales.
Beyond the Box: A Handheld and a Hybrid Future
While Corden’s podcast comments focused on the core console, the idea of "more hardware" extends beyond the living room. Corden has previously reported that a dedicated Xbox handheld is in active development. Unlike the ASUS ROG Ally, which runs a version of Windows but carries the "Xbox" branding in a limited capacity, Microsoft’s own device would be a unique, first-party creation.
This portable solution is expected to serve as a mobile counterpart to Microsoft’s "Play Anywhere" initiative, allowing gamers to take their digital library on the go. Rumors suggest the handheld could launch in a similar timeframe as the next-gen console, though details have been scarce.
Speaking of the console itself, recent developments have solidified its release window. In early February, AMD CEO Lisa Su hinted during an earnings call that the next Xbox—built on a custom AMD semi-custom SoC codenamed "Magnus"—is progressing well to support a launch in 2027. For a deeper dive into what makes this upcoming machine so different, you can read Windows Central’s full exclusive report on the platform’s ambitious strategy:
Read the exclusive: Microsoft’s 2027 Xbox could be a huge shift for the platform
According to that report, the Project Helix device is being designed to run a TV-first console interface by default, but underneath the hood, it will function as a streamlined Windows 11 gaming PC—capable of running not just Xbox titles, but also PC stores like Steam and the Epic Games Store.
A Pivotal Moment for Xbox Hardware
Not everyone shares Corden’s long-term optimism. After Sharma took the helm at Microsoft Gaming, Japanese game industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto offered a starkly different prediction. Addressing the significance of the upcoming Project Helix, Toto stated, “This might be Microsoft’s last attempt to make their hardware business work.”
He added a chilling assessment of the stakes involved: “There is nobody in this industry who believes there will be another Xbox if this next machine fails.”
Toto also pointed out that Microsoft’s hardware faces a unique threat from the PC gaming space. He suggested that the Valve Steam Machine—a new wave of living-room-friendly PC hardware—could pose a greater challenge to Xbox than the traditional PlayStation 6 rival. Both the Helix and the Steam Machine will rely heavily on PC game libraries, an audience that has historically been hesitant to fully embrace the living room experience.
Additionally, memory shortages and component costs remain significant hurdles. Former Xbox executive Sarah Bond has already labeled the next-generation hardware as a "premium option," hinting that the focus may be on high-end performance rather than mass-market affordability.
The Bottom Line: Profits Will Decide
For now, Microsoft is pushing forward with what it describes as its "most ambitious hardware plan" yet. The strategy involves creating a broad ecosystem of devices—including first-party consoles, licensed OEM devices from partners like ASUS, and a potential handheld—all unified by the Xbox operating system and software library.
However, even with Sharma’s commitment to hardware and Corden’s confidence in future releases, the ultimate fate of the Xbox console line may come down to simple economics. Following the mixed market performance of the Xbox Series X|S generation, profits—and the ability to convert hardware sales into game sales and subscriptions—will ultimately determine whether Project Helix is a new beginning or a final chapter for Microsoft’s gaming machines.