If you are planning to buy a new Xbox, you may need to start setting aside money well in advance. According to a recent Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft is aiming to launch its next-generation gaming console, codenamed Project Helix, during the 2028 holiday season.
The biggest surprise, however, is its projected price. Internal estimates suggest the console could cost between $1,200 and $1,800, equivalent to approximately Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Here is what is currently known about Microsoft's upcoming gaming hardware, including its much-anticipated handheld console.
A new Xbox handheld is expected in 2027
Before Project Helix arrives, Xbox players could get a new portable gaming device. Microsoft is reportedly targeting the 2027 holiday season for the launch of a next-generation Xbox handheld.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated that the next generation of Xbox will comprise a “family of devices” designed to cater to different types of gamers, rather than a single machine. Microsoft plans to collaborate with third-party manufacturers to develop these portable systems, following an approach similar to its partnership with Asus for the ROG Ally.
The upcoming handheld is being designed to deliver a smooth, console-like gaming experience while allowing players to enjoy their games on the move.
Why could Project Helix be so expensive?
A potential price of $1,800 would make Project Helix considerably more expensive than conventional gaming consoles. One of the key factors behind this projected cost is the ongoing artificial intelligence boom.
AI data centres are consuming enormous quantities of computer memory and storage, driving up demand and increasing the manufacturing costs of essential hardware components. Unless Microsoft chooses to subsidise the console by selling it below its production cost, these higher expenses could be reflected in the retail price.
Microsoft is positioning Project Helix as a premium hybrid gaming device capable of running both Xbox and PC games. The console is also expected to use AMD's next-generation FSR Diamond upscaling technology, which the chipmaker says is designed to improve gaming performance and visual quality.
Major changes may be coming to Xbox Game Pass
Alongside its hardware plans, Microsoft is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass. Reports suggest the subscription service could adopt a more flexible, Ã la carte pricing structure with multiple tiers.
Rather than requiring users to pay a single price for a bundled set of features, the revised model could allow players to select the services they want. These might include access to console games, multiplayer functionality or cloud gaming.
Although a console costing around Rs 1.5 lakh could be a significant expense for gamers, Microsoft has time to finalise its pricing strategy before the expected 2028 launch.
For now, Xbox enthusiasts can look forward to the anticipated handheld device, which is expected to arrive in 2027.
