Xbox CEO Dodges Question on Next Console's Physical Drive

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has declined to directly answer whether the upcoming Xbox console, codenamed Helix, will feature a physical disc drive. Speaking with the BBC, Sharma largely focused on the broader hardware and memory supply chain crisis impacting the gaming console and PC markets.

When pressed on the issue of the disc drive for the next-generation Xbox Helix, Sharma avoided a direct response. She stated that future products must consider efficiency and affordability alongside performance. Sharma highlighted the industry's need for innovation in cost reduction and efficiency.

"Affordability is definitely something that everyone needs to consider seriously and solve through innovation," Sharma said. "At the same time, we need to ensure consumers have more choices in how they play games and how they purchase consoles."

Sharma did acknowledge the value players place on physical discs while recognizing the advantages of digital options. "I want to make sure that everyone has the choice," she stated.

Microsoft's recent "disc to digital" feature, which converts physical game discs into digital licenses, has fueled speculation that it may be preparing for future Xbox consoles without physical disc drives. The company has described the feature as part of its game preservation efforts and a preparation for the next generation of consoles.