Xbox management has admitted that the ongoing crisis in the component market is seriously affecting the company's plans for the release of the next generation of game consoles. This was stated by the new Xbox Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, during a conversation with The Game Business at Summer Game Fest 2026.
According to the top manager, the sharp increase in prices for RAM and storage devices is forcing Microsoft to reconsider the traditional console model. Despite the difficulties, the company still intends to release a device codenamed Project Helix, but its concept may change significantly.
Ball noted that the crisis is lasting longer than expected, and its consequences may be felt for at least another two to two and a half years. In this regard, Xbox is actively working to make the future system more affordable and flexible for users. He emphasized that this is not about abandoning the existing ecosystem, but about expanding the capabilities of the console model, taking into account new market realities.