Xbox Project Helix Could Launch Without a Controller (Update)

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1. 1d ago

   Xbox Project Helix May Skip Bundled Controller to Cut Costs (Update)

   Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, is facing cost pressures that could lead to a launch without a bundled controller. Internal memos signal delays and a company-wide reset, while insiders suggest optional SSD upgrades and flexible pricing. The console’s 2027 timeline remains uncertain amid hardware market volatility.

   What's confirmed:

   • Microsoft’s Xbox division is undergoing a company-wide ‘reset,’ with CEO Asha Sharma outlining a 100-day restructuring plan in an internal memo.
   • Project Helix’s specifications and pricing remain undecided due to ongoing hardware market instability, including a global memory chip shortage.
   • Xbox’s website has leaked a ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ payment option exclusively for console purchases, indicating financial flexibility in pricing strategies.
   • Microsoft has confirmed Project Helix will support Steam and feature a custom AMD chip, aligning with its hardware-agnostic approach against PlayStation’s next-gen competitor.
   • The console market is not expected to decline, according to analyst Matthew Ball, who notes sustained demand despite economic pressures.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Project Helix could launch without a bundled controller to lower costs, with optional SSD upgrades offered separately.
   • The console’s release may be pushed to 2027 amid supply chain and component shortages.
   • Microsoft is exploring partnerships with new OEM manufacturers to mitigate production risks.
   confidence 88%