Xbox Describes Project Helix as a ‘Family of Devices,’ Remains Silent on Elder Scrolls 6 Exclusivity

Xbox made a significant splash at Gamescom 2026, showcasing its lineup with a dedicated livestream and hands-on demos for anticipated titles like Fable. However, the company seemed less inclined to dive into major announcements regarding its upcoming hardware or the implications of exclusivity for The Elder Scrolls 6.

In a rare interview during the convention, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma mentioned, “We’ve been hard at work on a great next generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we’ll share more soon.” She emphasized the commitment to pushing performance boundaries, highlighting the ability to play both console and PC games on Xbox devices.

Sharma also addressed the industry’s need for innovation in affordability and efficiency, stating, “With the current crisis in hardware and components, it is absolutely something all of us need to be thinking about and innovating on, giving people more choice in how they play and purchase their consoles.”

Despite raising prices amid the AI arms race, Xbox has been vocal about “affordability.” The mention of a “family of devices” raises intriguing questions about whether the next-gen strategy will focus on a single console or multiple formats. Could this hint at a continuation of the Xbox Series S concept, offering a budget-friendly option? Or might it suggest a new portable gaming device more integrated into the Xbox ecosystem than existing handhelds? With rumors of Sony exploring a handheld for the PlayStation 6, it’s worth considering if rising component costs and new leadership have prompted Microsoft to revisit its previously shelved handheld plans.

When it comes to exclusivity and The Elder Scrolls 6, Sharma was asked about the company’s approach to exclusive titles. She acknowledged the importance of exclusives for platforms, stating, “Every platform needs some form of exclusive experiences and content.” She noted that while they aim to provide exclusive titles like Gears and Clockwork, they must balance this with the health of the business.

The conversation turned to The Elder Scrolls 6, with Sharma simply stating, “It’s a beautiful game.” Xbox faces a challenge in expanding its reach while maintaining exclusivity for its most popular franchises like Minecraft, Forza Horizon, and Fallout. The real test will be whether The Elder Scrolls 6 remains exclusive or goes multiplatform, especially since Sharma’s predecessor had previously indicated that exclusivity could be economically viable.

In the meantime, Xbox appears to be shifting its stance on some earlier commitments. Forza Horizon 6 was initially expected to have a limited exclusivity period before launching on PlayStation 5, but insiders now suggest that the port may be delayed until 2027. Given the game’s success, there’s speculation about whether Sharma might decide to cancel the port altogether. For now, Xbox seems to be keeping its cards close to the chest regarding these developments.