Asha Sharma Discusses the New Console Generation, Hardware Prices, and Backward Compatibility at Gamescom

In an interview with the BBC, Asha Sharma of Xbox suggested that the next generation of consoles will be significantly affected by rising hardware costs, while Microsoft wants to preserve as much choice as possible for players between physical and digital games.

Regarding physical games, Sharma stressed that Xbox knows players still want them. She also pointed out the advantages of digital distribution and confirmed a new program that will allow owners of physical discs to obtain a digital version of the game in question. Xbox also wants to continue supporting backward compatibility across future generations. However, she did not confirm whether the upcoming Project Helix will have a disc drive at all. That will presumably be decided later, but even if it does, we expect it to be external.

Efficiency and Affordability in the New Generation

The price of the new console was a major topic. According to Sharma, Xbox must consider not only performance in the new generation, but also efficiency and an affordable price. She referred to the current situation involving expensive RAM and other components as “Rampocalypse.” She said manufacturers will have to optimize much more:

• RAM and storage usage,
• the cost of individual components,
• performance per dollar,
• overall hardware efficiency,
• the various ways customers can purchase and use the console.

She also mentioned AI, which she said is fundamentally changing the world of technology and is something Xbox must take into account when designing the new generation.

Sharma also openly commented on Xbox’s recent restructuring. She described it as a “reset” intended to ensure that the brand continues to operate over the next 25 years. At the same time, she admitted that the coming years will be challenging. According to her, the company must also adapt to a new generation of players who want to play in different ways.

Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and believes that games are on track to become the most significant form of entertainment of the next century.