Project Helix could skip a core console component to keep price affordable

[Redaktion]

An insider has shared thoughts on what Microsoft could do with Project Helix to keep costs down. The next-generation Xbox could become an industry first to ship without a controller.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Project-Helix-could-skip-a-core-console-component-to-keep-price-affordable.1322276.0.html

[Gralphr]

Use standard nvme drives one can buy at Microcenter, use standard memory (add whats required for basic gaming, but give users the ability to install extra ram, using regular PC ram with a mandatory speed). Do add bess and whistles that are not needed or generally are not used (S/PDIF, etc.)

Make a separate dvd drive, but dont make it cost a stupid amount to buy (no more than $100 to $120). Even one model with a replaceable gpu (cartridge like module, kind of how Pentium 2 cpus looked), easily installed.

That would cut out multiple models. At the end of the day its more a computer than a traditional console anyway so ship one model with possible upgrades one can buy if they want a higher tier in graphics. Said modules should be no more difficult than installing a nvme in a PS5.     

It may seem like a lot, but I think using this method could cut down on costs in the long run because turning it into a "X" version or better would be up to the consumer if they want to upgrade just like a PC. The key is its a decent console out the box regardless, but easily up-gradable to whatever they envisioned their top tier would be. Typical PC parts would help it greatly (unlike the Xboxs memory upgrades which were too expensive for just 1tb even before the current memory issues).