GoKawiilReport: Xbox's Project Helix console may cost up to $1,800
A Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reveals new details on Project Helix, Microsoft's next-gen gaming hardware line. A handheld device is expected for holiday 2027, with a full console following in 2028, currently projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800 unless Microsoft subsidizes it. The report also mentions a possible shift to a la carte Game Pass pricing and more layoffs expected this month and in November.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Such a high price point could undercut Sharma's stated ambition of growing Xbox to over 1 billion daily users, especially with cheaper alternatives like the Steam Machine on the market. Rising RAM and component costs tied to AI demand could make the steep price a reality rather than just a negotiating tactic, though some analysts suggest the figure could be inflated now so the eventual price seems more reasonable by comparison. The potential Game Pass overhaul and continued layoffs suggest Xbox is restructuring its business model amid financial and competitive pressures.
- Project Helix handheld expected holiday 2027, full console in 2028
- Console pricing projected between $1,200-$1,800 absent a subsidy
- Game Pass may shift to a la carte pricing as layoffs continue
Xbox Series X console — While the pricey next-gen Project Helix is still years away, the current Xbox Series X delivers top-tier gaming performance today without the speculative sticker shock. It's a solid way to jump into the Xbox ecosystem and enjoy next-gen-quality gaming right now.
See Xbox Series X console on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Anna Washenko, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “The next Xbox might cost $1,800, report says”
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