Xbox VP Jason Ronald confirmed on April 21 that Project Helix will launch as a first-party console, quashing rumors it would only be chips for third-party makers like ASUS and MSI. This follows CEO Asha Sharma's March announcement of the next-gen device.
Following CEO Asha Sharma's March 6 reveal of Project Helix as Microsoft's premium next-gen Xbox console with Xbox and PC game support, new rumors emerged suggesting Microsoft might skip a first-party release. Leaker KelperL2 posted on NeoGAF that the company plans to sell Project Helix chips to manufacturers like ASUS and MSI, potentially powering third-party handhelds akin to the ROG Ally.
Jason Ronald, Xbox VP of gaming devices and ecosystem, addressed this directly on X: "Project Helix will be available as a 1st party Xbox console." His April 21 statement reaffirmed Microsoft's hardware commitment without commenting on third-party chip possibilities.
This comes amid Xbox's strategy blurring console and PC lines, including phasing out the 'This is an Xbox' campaign. Leadership had shifted earlier, with Sharma taking over after Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond's departures.