Xbox shifts strategy toward consoles amid hardware leaks

Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a strategic shift and hardware refresh. Xbox head Ash Sharma recently addressed employees regarding a period of decline in user engagement and revenue, which she described as a “freefall.” Following recent restructuring, Sharma indicated a move toward a more conservative strategy aimed at reclaiming the brand's importance as a console platform, alongside the development of next-generation hardware codenamed “Project Helix.”

In tandem with this strategic pivot, leaked specifications from the Xbox Design Lab database suggest the upcoming Xbox Elite Series 3 controller will feature significant technical upgrades. The new hardware is expected to include TMR and Hall effect analog sticks to prevent stick drift, advanced VCA haptic feedback, and extensive customization options. Rumors suggest the controller could launch before the holiday season in multiple variants.