Xbox Boss Talks About Console Price and Digital Games

Asha Sharma, a senior executive at Xbox, has discussed the company's approach to its upcoming games console in an exclusive interview with the BBC. Xbox, owned by Microsoft, is one of the major producers of home video game consoles alongside rivals such as PlayStation and Nintendo.

According to the interview, Sharma said Xbox is currently 'thinking about' the affordability of its next-generation console, referring to how accessible the price will be for consumers. This comes amid wider industry concern about rising console and game prices, which have led some players to question whether upgrading remains realistic for average buyers.

Beyond pricing, Sharma also addressed the topic of digital game ownership. She spoke about the possibility of giving gamers digital versions of games they already own in physical form, such as on a disc. This would allow players who purchased a boxed copy of a game to also receive a downloadable version, offering more flexibility in how and where they play.

Currently, many players are limited to a single format, either a physical disc or a digital download, depending on how they originally purchased a title. Bridging that gap could make switching between devices, or simply keeping a backup copy, considerably easier for consumers.

The BBC interview did not include specific figures, timelines, or confirmation of a release date for Xbox's next console. Sharma's comments appear to reflect an early stage of thinking, rather than a formal announcement of pricing or product features.

Microsoft has faced increasing competition in the console market in recent years, and analysts have suggested that pricing strategy will play a significant role in how successful its next device becomes. Sharma's remarks suggest the company is aware of these pressures as it plans its next major product.

No further details from Xbox or Microsoft have been made public beyond what was shared in the BBC interview, and the report notes this was an exclusive conversation rather than a wider press statement.