Xbox CEO refuses to confirm whether next console Helix will have a disc drive

Xbox chief Asha Sharma declined to reveal whether the company's upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, will include a disc drive. During an interview with the BBC, the CEO emphasized that it was crucial for gamers to have access to their libraries regardless of whether they preferred physical or digital games. Sharma stated, "Your libraries can go wherever you are."

She also mentioned that Xbox was committed to preserving great gameplay and that players could enjoy over a thousand titles with physical discs by having a digital entitlement as well.

When directly asked about the future of physical media, Sharma confirmed that Microsoft aimed to make Xbox the platform where the world played, recognizing the appeal of physical media while acknowledging the benefits of digital media. She expressed excitement about the first step towards this goal and hinted at further announcements to come.

Sharma avoided giving a definitive answer when asked if Helix would be disc-less, laughing and saying, "We're not sharing more on Helix." She reiterated that the company was hard at work on a new generation of devices but would reveal more information soon. Microsoft's Project Helix is being developed as a hybrid console-and-PC, with development kits expected to be released next year.

Additionally, Microsoft has launched a disc-to-digital initiative, allowing players to digitize their game discs to own them in a digital format as the industry moves towards a disc-less future. However, Sharma's Xbox division remains in the aftermath of significant restructuring, resulting in the loss of 1,600 jobs, with an additional 1,600 positions at risk by next summer.