Xbox boss: Memory crisis could impact next-gen hardware availability and pricing
Newly-appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma says key component shortages could impact the price and availability of next-generation hardware.
During a recent interview with Game File, Sharma explained the company's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, might feel the brunt of a memory chip supply crisis that is being driven by rampant investment in artificial intelligence data centers (thanks, Reuters).
Specially, Sharma was asked whether memory shortages will impact the "timeline of going to Helix?" In response, she explained the situation is indeed part of the equation.
"Memory costs will impact pricing, will impact availability. As we think about being where the world plays, we will take that into consideration. So we're not ready to share a launch timeline right now. The world's pretty dynamic," she stated.
"My number one focus, though, is to focus on what's in our control, build a great console to play great games, including your PC games."
Microsoft has already confirmed that Project Helix development kits will begin shipping in 2027. It's unclear when the next-generation device, which will play both console and PC titles, will be made available to consumers.
In a memo sent out to Xbox employees last week, Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty said the company wants Project Helix to "lead in performance" and stabilize its hardware business—which has failed to deliver growth in recent quarters.
"Xbox will be built to be affordable, personal, and open," added the memo. "We will offer flexible pricing so it's easy to get started and keep playing."
Sharma and Booty have already taken steps towards achieving that goal by lowering the price of some Xbox Game Pass tiers. The cost of Xbox hardware, however, was raised twice last year due to what Microsoft described as "macroeconomic conditions."
Other console manufacturers such as Nintendo and Valve have also warned of the impact of ongoing comportment shortages. Meanwhile, PlayStation maker Sony recently increased the price of hardware in response to "continued pressures in the global economic landscape."
