Xbox Project Helix could cost as much as $1,800 and is reportedly set to launch by Christmas 2028
By (Image credit: Microsoft)
A recent analysis indicates that the upcoming Xbox Project Helix system is expected to debut by Christmas 2028, with a potential price range of $1,200 to $1,800.
This information comes from a report by Fortune. According to the outlet’s informants, a next-generation handheld gadget is slated to arrive “by the 2027 festive season,” with the principal console anticipated to launch in time for the holidays of 2028.
The report further indicates that Microsoft‘s internal forecasts imply that the console will “charge consumers between $1,200 and $1,800,” although Xbox might opt to subsidize some of that expense, incurring a loss on the manufacturing of the device.
Sources from Fortune also indicate that Microsoft’s internal engineering timelines for Project Helix have been accelerated by several months, applying pressure on developers to complete their tasks more quickly, even if that entails utilizing AI.
Furthermore, the outlet notes that there have been internal disputes between the Xbox and Windows factions at Microsoft regarding the software that Project Helix should employ. The Windows division allegedly wanted the forthcoming handheld to operate on a version of Windows, while the Xbox division preferred utilizing custom software. In response to this aspect of the narrative, Sharma simply states, “We cannot develop Helix independently.”
Sharma has earlier characterized Xbox Project Helix as “a collection of devices.” However, we have yet to receive any official specifics regarding the anticipated hardware rollout or possible pricing. Given the current manufacturing costs, analysts have been predicting $1,000 consoles for a while now, and these price points are anticipated to have a significant adverse impact on the expansion of the next-gen console market for both Xbox and PlayStation.
Meanwhile, Xbox’s strategy to terminate 3,200 developers persists. Fortune reports that 1,868 of those positions have been eliminated thus far, with more rounds of layoffs scheduled for October, November, and January.
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