CEO Asha Sharma’s immediate hardware focus seems to be on Project Helix. The new Xbox console will play PC titles, but it’s also possible that it will boot console exclusives. In June 2025, it appeared that hopes for a mobile counterpart had all but died. Tom Warren of The Verge reported that the project has been “essentially canceled.”
In February 2026, Windows Central’s Jez Corden surprised some readers when he revealed that the company “still wants to make a first-party Xbox handheld eventually.” In addition, Microsoft continues to take measures that could ensure a successful launch of the system.
Preparing for an Xbox handheld
The ROG Xbox Ally already showcases improvements. Xbox Mode optimizes navigation for controllers and simplifies loading games across multiple marketplaces. It offers performance benefits, but the rumored Project Green Leaf may have a greater impact. The concept takes a different approach from Sony with its PS5 and leaked PS6 gaming handheld. Green Leaf boosts battery life by dynamically limiting resolution and frame rates.
For now, the Xbox Handheld logo will reassure owners of Windows gaming handhelds. Still, some insiders consider the OEM options a stepping stone to another new Xbox console.
Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer – 1363 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
