– Project Helix may be Xbox’s first console without a bundled controller to cut costs.
– The move is described as “low-hanging fruit” based on assumption that most gamers already own controllers.
– Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledges the brand’s unhealthy state and need for strategic changes.
– This cost-saving approach deviates from the tradition of launching new consoles with new-generation controllers.
– It is unknown if Sony will adopt a similar strategy for its next console.
A Tumultuous Shift for Xbox
Xbox is going through somewhat of a tumultuous shift as leadership has realized things need to change. With Project Helix underway, CEO Asha Sharma is gunning for a reset to Xbox, while still trying to keep the price of the new console ‘affordable.’ Now, an insider has suggested that the cost-saving strategy may involve skipping a core component synonymous with consoles.
Insider Reveals Cost-Cutting Plan
During the most recent livestream talking about Summer Game Fest, possible Xbox layoffs, and more, insider Jez Corden touched upon Project Helix, the next hybrid console from Microsoft. Corden believes that to bring costs down, Project Helix will not ship with a controller. This would be a first for an Xbox console.
Low-Hanging Fruit for Microsoft
The insider explains that he has numerous Xbox controllers lying around, suggesting that most gamers will already have controllers. So, in order to drive down costs, skipping the controller will be the “low-hanging fruit” move for Microsoft. Typically, a new generation of console launches with a new generation controller, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for at least Xbox’s next generation. It is unclear if Sony also has a similar strategy on the table.
CEO Admits Unhealthy Spot
This comes after Xbox CEO Asha Sharma spoke quite candidly about Xbox not being in a healthy spot and that some strategy changes are required to not only keep the cost of Project Helix affordable, but to bring Xbox back to its former glory.
