A new report claims the next Xbox console (aka. Project Helix) is targeting a Holiday 2028 release and could cost anywhere between $1,200 and $1,800.
The news comes from a profile piece on Xbox CEO Asha Sharma by Fortune Magazine (via VGC) which goes into alleged new details on Xbox’s progress developing the unit.
The publication says the company is planning to release a “next-generation handheld device” by the 2027 holiday season, and its next console by the holidays in 2028.
They also say: “As it stands, the price of the Helix console has internally been projected to cost consumers between $1,200 and $1,800, unless Microsoft decides to subsidise the cost.”
The news follows on from a report last week claiming the storage and memory components alone for Sony’s PlayStation 6 will cost the company “over $680 per console”.
Debate is now seriously raging about whether next-gen consoles will retail for over $1,000 U.S. dollars at even their lowest price point.
The profile also indicates there’s internal clashes at the company over what software both the upcoming machines will run with Windows leaders wanting a “trimmed-down version of Windows Home” for the handheld device whereas Sharma’s team want a custom OS “to get the best gaming performance”.
Microsoft is also reportedly planning to overhaul Xbox Game Pass, allowing players to “choose features à la carte”. Things like cloud gaming, multiplayer, etc. would thus be optional extras.
