XBOX Project Helix Price Reportedly Ranges From $1,200 to $1,800

Microsoft's next-generation XBOX reportedly targets holiday 2028, with estimated hardware prices reaching as high as $1,800.

Microsoft’s plans for its next-gen XBOX are starting to come together, but a new report from Fortune suggests the company’s upcoming hardware could come with a somewhat steep price tag. The new console in development, Project Helix, is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800, while a new portable XBOX is expected to be unveiled in the 2027 holiday season.

Sony is also gearing up for the PlayStation 6, so price for new-generation consoles could be a major issue for both companies. Also coming in the next several months, it looks like Microsoft’s hardware strategy, possible changes to Game Pass, and other layoffs.

The article claims that Microsoft intends to release Project Helix during the holiday season in 2028, which may be in about two years. Meanwhile, there are rumors that a next-gen XBOX portable will be introduced around the holidays in 2027, but nothing is known regarding the design or Microsoft’s involvement.

The portable might build on existing partnerships with AMD, like the XBOX Ally series, or represent a bigger, first-party hardware push from Microsoft. The article, however, does not say what the device will give. The biggest issue is the potential cost of Project Helix.

Project Helix could launch at a premium price point for the 2028 holiday season.

Estimates suggest the console will retail between $1,200 and $1,800 depending on how much Microsoft subsidizes the hardware. That pricing may not appeal to the majority, and older systems already do an adequate job with popular games. Next-gen console expenditures may make them difficult to market due to high hardware costs.

Many customers are happy with their PS5 and XBOX Series systems, running huge titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, and popular sports games. Technology is already getting pricey, and it may be difficult to get customers to spend more than $1,000 on a new system. The insider said the XBOX and Windows teams butted heads on the next-generation handheld’s operating system.

But this may simply be the problem of aligning hardware, software, and performance needs, rather than a significant internal split. Microsoft is rethinking its Game Pass approach—and it may alter a lot. Microsoft is reportedly rumored to be planning a major revamp of Game Pass that will let members pick features.

This could include opting to play games day one or getting console and PC deals rather than buying into a bigger package. While some customers may appreciate a more flexible subscription, breaking the features into distinct bundles could make the service confusing. The piece also forecasts another round of job cuts in the coming months, possibly tied to employment cuts previously announced.

Meanwhile, device price remains a big question mark for both Microsoft and Sony. An industry expert said the PlayStation 6’s bill of materials might be approximately $200 less than Microsoft’s next-generation XBOX hardware, giving Sony more room on pricing. But Sony would still have to decide how much of the production costs it was prepared to cover.

A PS6 at approximately $1,000 could be simpler to sell than a significantly more expensive system, but it would still be a large expenditure for customers. Ultimately, people who currently have a PS5 or XBOX Series machine may not need to upgrade to the next generation. Cross-gen might support last year, meaning older systems could still be useful while Microsoft and Sony look to make their next gear cheaper.