Report: Xbox To Release Next-Gen Handheld In 2027 & Expensive Helix Console In 2028
By Numerous additional specifics disclosed by Fortune
- by Fraser Gilbert
- Yesterday, 9:20pm
Further information has been unveiled today regarding what to anticipate from Xbox’s hardware initiatives in the upcoming years, with Fortune indicating a next-gen portable device is scheduled for 2027 alongside the Project Helix console in 2028.
Regarding the handheld, the publication simply characterizes it as a “next-generation portable gadget” anticipated “by the 2027 holiday period”; however, it has also been stated that there have been internal disputes at Microsoft over which software should be utilized.
“Windows executives desired the forthcoming portable device to operate a streamlined version of Windows Home. Conversely, Sharma’s team has aimed to construct and manage its own software to achieve optimal gaming performance.”
An upper-level Xbox official allegedly even threatened to abandon the project altogether due to these conflicts, but Xbox is now “primarily steering the course” of the operating system. Nonetheless, Asha Sharma conveyed to the publication that they are still working closely with the Windows team and require their backing to develop Project Helix.
Sharma stressed that the collaboration remains strong, stating, “We can’t develop Helix independently.”
Of course, Xbox has already sort of launched a handheld in the past two years with the ROG Xbox Ally, Ally X and Ally X20, yet it appears this will be a first-party unit rather than one engineered by the ASUS team.
Meanwhile, the next-gen Helix console is rumored to be scheduled for 2028, but the projected price is jaw-dropping—reportedly, it could reach up to $1,800 unless Microsoft opts to subsidize it.
“Currently, the cost of the Helix console has been internally assessed to come in at between $1,200 and $1,800 for consumers, unless Microsoft chooses to mitigate the price.”
Naturally, we must not overlook that Asha Sharma was noted for hinting at multiple hardware offerings for the next generation of Xbox merely a few weeks prior.
