Hardware Components
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Xbox boss confirms next gen Project Helix is more than one console
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the upcoming 'Project Helix' will consist of a family of devices, suggesting multiple console SKUs or models, potentially including options with and without disc drives, and possibly even a handheld device. Sharma emphasized the importance of affordability and efficiency in future hardware development due to component shortages, while also aiming to expand Xbox's portfolio of billion-dollar franchises.
CEO Asha Sharma says Xbox needs to be thinking about affordability in its next console
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company must prioritize affordability and efficiency for its next-generation console, Project Helix, due to rising hardware component costs. She highlighted the industry-wide challenge of "Rampocalypse" and the need for innovation in providing consumers with more choices in how they purchase and play their consoles. This comes as Xbox announced a $900 USD 25th Anniversary Series X, and other consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch also face price increases.
Is a $1,200 gaming PC build in 2026 still possible?
This guide outlines a PC build for approximately $1,300 in 2026, aiming to balance cost and performance amidst rising component prices. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 8GB GPU, capable of running current titles at 1080p and 1440p with medium settings and high refresh rates, and is future-proofed for upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6.
A New Xbox Memo Points to a Tough Reset and a Possible 2027 Launch for Helix
A leaked internal memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlines a significant "Xbox Reset" initiative, addressing a severe hardware component crisis and declining revenue. The memo suggests Project Helix could launch in Holiday 2027, with potential layoffs also indicated. The reset may have also strained relationships with PlayStation due to last-minute exclusivity decisions for titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Xbox’s July Layoffs Could Involve Studio Closures – Rumor
A report from The Verge suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division may implement layoffs in July, potentially including the closure of a studio. This follows a Bloomberg report indicating major job cuts are planned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to mitigate revenue losses. Sharma and CCO Matt Booty acknowledged a 3 percent accountability margin decline and discussed challenges with rising hardware component costs, necessitating a new business model for future projects like 'Project Helix'.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and executive vice president Matt Booty publish staff memo ‘Next 100 Days: Xbox Reset’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and EVP Matt Booty have outlined a 'reset' plan for the company, acknowledging declining core revenue despite significant investment. The memo details challenges including a hardware component crisis and overextended studio systems, signaling potential major layoffs and restructuring to achieve profitability and a stronger market position.
Xbox posts new memo recapping CEO’s first 100 days, outlines “reset” for the company
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Mat Booty have outlined the company's strategic reset following Sharma's first 100 days. The memo addresses challenges including declining revenue, hardware component costs, and studio overextension, while highlighting recent successes in platform updates, Game Pass growth, and new exclusive game announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution.
Next 100 Days: XBOX Reset
An internal message to Xbox employees outlines a 'reset' for the business, highlighting early successes in platform updates, Game Pass growth, and community engagement. The message also addresses significant challenges including declining revenue, a hardware component crisis impacting console production, an overextended studio system, and outdated platform infrastructure, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments and innovation to become the number one gaming and entertainment company.
RAM and SSDs usually suck in prebuilt gaming PCs, but this custom build shows that doesn't need to be the case, even in a pricing apocalypse
This review examines a custom-built gaming PC from Quoted Tech, highlighting its strengths in component quality and thermal performance, particularly with its AMD Ryzen 7 9700F and Radeon RX 7900 XTX configuration. While the build offers solid gaming performance and excellent SSD and RAM speeds, potential drawbacks include disconcerting fan noise and a limited selection of motherboards and cases. The article concludes that Quoted Tech is a good option for those seeking a customizable prebuilt PC with quality parts, though it may not be the most budget-friendly choice.
