Report: Xbox Aims for Next-Gen Handheld by 2027 Holidays
A Fortune profile says the device faces an internal fight with the Windows team over which operating system it will run.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma wants a next-generation handheld gaming device released before the 2027 holiday season, according to a Fortune profile of the executive. A next Xbox home console is reportedly planned for holiday 2028.
It is unclear whether the Project Helix family of devices includes both the handheld and the home console. Fortune also reported that Project Helix Xbox consoles could cost as much as $1,800 without subsidies.
The handheld project has been the subject of a turf battle between the Xbox and Windows teams over its operating system. The Windows team wants the device to use a version of Windows Home. According to people briefed on the clash, a senior Xbox executive threatened to scrap the handheld rather than adopt the Windows build.
Xbox is now largely controlling the direction of the operating system for the project, per Fortune.
Background
The current Xbox Ally X, made by Asus, uses a UI layer on top of Windows that has been criticized as finicky and a drag on performance.
Quick answers
When is the next Xbox handheld expected to launch?
According to a Fortune profile, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma wants it released before the 2027 holiday season.
When is the next Xbox home console planned?
Fortune reports a next Xbox home console is planned for holiday 2028, though it is unclear whether Project Helix includes both devices.
Why is there an internal dispute over the handheld?
The Windows team wants the device to run a version of Windows Home, while a senior Xbox executive reportedly threatened to scrap the project rather than adopt that build.