Microsoft will ditch memory cards in favor of standard M.2 SSDs in Project Helix.

Digital Foundry analysts examined the prospects for hardware expandability in the next-generation Xbox Project Helix console amid rumors of its near-PC architecture and the possible involvement of partners like ASUS and MSI in producing third-party modifications. According to the experts, the most likely change will be Microsoft’s abandonment of the proprietary memory expansion cartridges used in the Xbox Series X and Series S. Due to a lack of competition, such drives remained too expensive to manufacture, so the new system is expected to switch to standard M.2 solid-state drives, similar to those used in the PlayStation 5.

At the same time, experts consider the addition of full-fledged…