A new memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma highlights a key focus on the 2027 holiday season amidst rumors of Project Helix's release window.

For some time now, the rumor has been that the next generation of consoles will be released next year. However, some doubt has been cast on that following the hardware component crisis, which is causing prices for components to skyrocket. This led to massive price increases on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam Deck, causing many to fear what the next generation of hardware could cost. Some speculated that serious pricing issues may lead to platform holders outright delaying the next generation of hardware, but it seems like Xbox may be moving ahead with 2027 release plans.

In a new memo, Sharma outlined the challenges the company is facing with the hardware component crisis. However, the one bit of info that sticks out is that she specifically notes that they are already making plans around hardware for holiday 2027. This only makes sense to point out if new hardware is planned during this window. It would make more sense to be focused on the upcoming holiday season if she were referring to the production of the 25th anniversary Xbox Series X|S, but this seems to suggest that holiday 2027 will be a big deal for Xbox.

However, Sharma's memo also states that Microsoft is expecting console storage components to be five times more expensive than they were last fall. This will almost certainly continue to fuel concerns over pricing, both for current and future hardware.

Microsoft formally announced Project Helix, its next-gen Xbox, earlier this year. Not much is known about the console, but it will play both Xbox and PC games. It's unclear if it will feature other storefronts, like Epic Games Store, or if Microsoft plans to keep it all under one centralized Xbox-owned ecosystem.

Microsoft has already confirmed that it will talk more about Project Helix later this year, but it's unclear when. There was zero mention of it at the recent showcase event, but there may be a beat to talk about it this November to tie in with the brand's 25th anniversary. If not, The Game Awards in December may be another likely place for it to appear.

Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN's news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.