Microsoft's next-gen Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is reportedly projected to cost consumers between $1,200 and $1,800 at launch, significantly higher than the current Xbox Series X priced at $799.99. According to a Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, the console is targeting the 2028 holiday season, with engineering deadlines moved up by several months, increasing pressure on development teams. Sharma also plans to release a next-gen handheld by the 2027 holidays.
The handheld development caused internal friction, with Windows leaders pushing for a trimmed-down Windows Home build versus Sharma's team seeking custom gaming software. A senior Xbox executive previously threatened to scrap the handheld rather than use the Windows build, though Xbox now appears to be steering the OS. Despite the high projected pricing, Microsoft has not confirmed final costs, and a subsidy could lower the price.
However, with Xbox's profit margin reportedly around 3%, there is little room for subsidies. The report also notes broader industry headwinds, with memory supply expected to tighten through 2027 and 2028, and rival Sony struggling with rising costs that could make a cheap next-gen console unlikely from either competitor.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing