{
  "id": 3700946,
  "title": "Xbox to focus on \"efficiency and affordability alongside performance\" for next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and innovations in AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/xbox-to-focus-on-efficiency-and-affordability-alongside-performance",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-27T07:49:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/xbox-to-focus-on-efficiency-and-affordability-alongside-performance-for-next-gen-console-amid-rising-hardware-costs-and-innovations-in-ai"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft's Xbox is placing emphasis on efficiency and affordability for its upcoming next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and AI innovations, according to Xbox boss Asha Sharma. In an interview with the BBC, Sharma stated that the industry as a whole must start innovating on affordability and efficiency, something that they have not had to do previously due to the current crisis in hardware and components. Sharma declined to confirm if the next-generation Xbox, known as Project Helix, will include a disc drive, but highlighted Xbox's new disc-to-digital feature allowing players to unlock digital versions of physical games they own. She emphasized the importance of giving players a choice between physical and digital media. Sharma also mentioned the continued focus on backwards compatibility, a feature Xbox has pioneered throughout generations. Regarding AI, Sharma noted that it is fundamentally changing many aspects of gaming and that Microsoft's platform will take into account these developments to provide the best possible experience for players. She further clarified that Xbox has no tolerance for \"bad AI\" and that the company will not chase short-term efficiency or flood the ecosystem with \"soulless AI slop.\" Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty added that the platform is not under pressure from Microsoft to use AI, and teams are free to use any beneficial technologies in various aspects like coding and bug checking.",
  "summary": "Xbox is prioritising \"efficiency and affordability alongside performance\" for its next-generation console in the face of rising hardware costs and innovations in AI. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}