Xbox’s next-gen console to reportedly cost up to $1,800, with a Helix handheld coming in 2027 and a full release in holiday 2028
Microsoft’s Xbox division is planning a major console refresh with Project Helix, expected to launch in the 2028 holiday season at a steep price point. According to a Fortune report featuring Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, the company’s internal estimates project the console to cost between $1,200 and $1,800—substantially higher than current-generation pricing. The Helix system will ship as two separate devices, with a handheld component launching in 2027 ahead of the main console’s 2028 debut.
Development timelines for Project Helix have been accelerated by “at least several months,” creating pressure on Xbox’s engineering teams to meet their deadlines. To manage these constraints, the company is leveraging artificial intelligence as a development tool, though Sharma emphasized that Xbox won’t use “AI for AI’s sake,” positioning it instead as a practical engineering resource.
The reported pricing represents a significant positioning shift for Xbox. Current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launched at $499, making the projected Helix range roughly 2.5 to 3.5 times more expensive. This suggests Microsoft may be targeting a premium market segment or that the price could be subsidized at retail, though Fortune’s estimates represent what Xbox expects consumers to pay without subsidization.
The two-device strategy mirrors industry trends and reflects growing consumer interest in portable gaming alongside traditional home console experiences. Project Helix represents Xbox’s bet on the console market’s future, though the aggressive pricing and accelerated timeline present significant challenges for both development and market adoption.