Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is reportedly set to launch as a two-device family, with projected consumer prices reaching as high as $1,800. According to a report from Fortune Magazine, internal Xbox estimates place the cost for the consoles between $1,200 and $1,800, assuming no subsidies.
The Project Helix family is expected to include a handheld device and a traditional home console. The handheld Helix is currently slated for a holiday 2027 release, while the main console is anticipated for holiday 2028. This dual-console strategy was previously alluded to by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who described Helix as a "family of devices."
These projected prices come amid a global shortage of memory and storage components, driven by AI demand. This scarcity has led to significant price increases across the consumer electronics market, impacting current-generation consoles from Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo, which have seen multiple price hikes since their respective launches. For example, the flagship Xbox Series X, which debuted at $500, now retails for $800, and the Series S has risen from $300 to $500. A starting price of $1,200 for a Helix console would represent a substantial increase over current pricing.
The development of the handheld Helix reportedly faced internal disagreements between the Xbox and Windows teams regarding its operating system. The Windows division advocated for a simplified version of Windows Home, while the Xbox team pushed for specialized gaming software. Reports indicate these disputes became so intense that an Xbox executive threatened to abandon the handheld project altogether. The operating system for the main Helix console remains unclear, though it was conceived as a device capable of bridging Xbox and PC gaming experiences.