Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, reportedly codenamed Project Helix, could carry a price tag between $1,200 and $1,800 at launch, according to a report cited by Fortune. The high cost reflects advanced hardware specifications for the new console, which Microsoft currently plans to release in 2028.
The pricing details emerged alongside reports of Microsoft's broader hardware strategy. The company plans to release not only a new home console but also a new handheld device as part of its next-gen lineup. Neither device has received an official announcement from Microsoft.
The steep price point represents a significant jump from current console generations. The estimated $1,200 to $1,800 range would position Project Helix well above existing premium gaming hardware. However, Fortune's reporting notes that Microsoft could alter this pricing structure through subsidization programs, potentially reducing the upfront cost to consumers.
The 2028 launch window aligns with typical console generation cycles, coming roughly seven years after the Xbox Series X and S release in November 2020. This timing would place Microsoft's next hardware refresh in line with potential moves from competitors.
Details on Project Helix specifications remain limited, though the high price suggestion indicates substantial technical ambitions. The accompanying handheld device represents Microsoft's continued interest in portable gaming, an area where the company has had limited presence since the original Xbox ceased production.
Microsoft has not officially confirmed Project Helix details, pricing, specifications, or the 2028 launch timeline. The company's current leadership focus on Xbox remains under scrutiny, with industry observers monitoring whether the company will maintain console hardware as a core business segment.