Looks like one of the biggest fears regarding Xbox’s Project Helix may come true after all, as an exec has confirmed the company’s struggle with supply chain constraints.
During The Game Business Live Summit at Summer Game Fest on June 8, Xbox’s new chief strategy officer, Mathew Ball, revealed some challenges the brand’s console division has been facing, including demand outstripping supply. This comes at a time when the rise of AI has left the market strained, and the prices for components have reached an all-time high.
If you’re wondering what it means for Project Helix, well, for starters, it’ll likely come with a hefty price tag to reflect current market conditions. And it also won’t be available for purchase so easily. Don’t forget: Microsoft will also be taking a strict stance against scalpers, so there likely won’t be many “alternative” ways to purchase the console either. Which is a good thing, but an anti-scalping strategy would likely include registration queues, purchase limitations, and more, making it harder for gamers to secure a unit amid the rush.
“The [component] crisis is not yet getting better,” Ball said during the summit. “The window in which we and others are gonna have to work through is getting longer, and that is going to constrain the category.”
Speaking of the supply chain constraints currently affecting Xbox Series X|S, Ball assured that they are trying their best to deal with the challenge. The crisis has not only created a supply gap, but also lingering confusion among fans about whether now is the right time to purchase a console. And Microsoft definitely doesn’t want either of these issues right now, especially when it’s preparing to ship a special-edition Series X console and controller as part of its 25th anniversary collection, starting in November.
“We are producing them as quickly as possible. There is a severe limitation to how quickly we can do that, but it’s not a question of appetite. That is a privilege as a company. It is a challenge for us to figure out.”
Coming to the highly anticipated Helix console, Ball revealed that they’re “rethinking” their plan to make sure the device is affordable and flexible.
“We are very cognizant of the ways in which we need the change as a company to make sure it is affordable, to make sure that it’s flexible. We are working hard to rethinking what that console model can look like, not in an exclusionary way, but in an additive way, so that as we take a look at this crisis, which may have acute effects for 2-2.5 years.”
Ball also promised that the team is working very hard to strike a balance between player sentiment and the company’s sustainability when it comes to building the Helix console. Moreover, they aren’t only concerned about the future, but are also committed to meeting the expectations of existing Xbox customers.
“We are working very hard to figure out the best way to navigate it or a way that works for everyone, that does not ask too much from players, but also does detract from the other investments that we need to make as a company.”
Despite the focus on building Helix as affordably as possible, it’s hard to believe that the console would be priced anything below $1200. In fact, some theories project it to be priced significantly higher than the PlayStation 6 because of how it may potentially mimic a gaming PC’s firepower. CEO Asha Sharma has also announced the return of exclusives to the Xbox ecosystem, which could potentially make Helix one of the best next-gen consoles out there.
All that being said, the rethinking strategy may also delay Project Helix’s release beyond the potential 2027–2028 window. Which isn’t ideal, but if it helps Microsoft build its best gaming console yet, most fans would likely be happy to wait.
- Founded
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November 15, 2001
- Owner
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Microsoft
- Known For
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Halo, Forza, Gears of War