Xbox Project Helix rumored to cost more, launches 2028
The story in short
Microsoft’s Project Helix console is expected for a holiday 2028 launch and may carry a price tag well above previous Xbox models, while a companion handheld is slated for 2027.
Microsoft’s next‑generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, is reportedly slated for a holiday 2028 launch and could be priced well above its predecessors. The announcement also hints at a companion handheld arriving in the 2027 holiday season.
What we know
Eurogamer notes the console may ship as two separate devices and could approach the $2,000 mark, though exact pricing is not confirmed. Polygon reports a price range between $1,200 and $1,800. Windows Central says the Xbox and Windows teams are at odds over which operating system will run on the new hardware. Pure Xbox describes the handheld simply as a “next‑generation handheld device” slated for the 2027 holidays. Digital Trends echoes the 2028 launch timeline and the expectation of a broader device family. Both reports agree the full console launch targets the 2028 holiday season, giving Microsoft roughly two years to finalize hardware and software.
Why it matters for gamers
A higher price point could influence adoption, especially as Sony’s upcoming console is expected to sit in a similar bracket, according to Push Square. The OS dispute may result in a hybrid Windows‑based system or a custom Xbox OS, affecting backward compatibility, cloud integration, and developer support. The handheld could share the same ecosystem, allowing cross‑play and cloud saves, but Microsoft has not confirmed whether it will run the same OS as the console. Analysts suggest Microsoft might bundle services like Xbox Game Pass to offset the premium cost.
What to do now
If you’re budgeting for a future console, start comparing current alternatives and keep an eye on official announcements. Our guide to the best Gaming Handhelds can help you evaluate the 2027 device once details emerge. For deeper insight into the Xbox ecosystem, see our Microsoft Xbox platform guide. Stay tuned to our coverage for updates on the OS debate and pricing confirmations.
See it on Run On Console
- Best gaming handhelds: our picks
- Microsoft Xbox guide: the consoles, games and gear
Sources
Verified by 9 trusted sources. This story was written from the reports below and checked against them before it was published.
- Xbox's next-gen console to reportedly cost up to $1,800, with a Helix handheld coming in 2027 and a full release in holiday 2028 (Eurogamer)
- Xbox and Windows at odds over OS for next-gen Xbox Helix console, now scheduled for 2028 (Windows Central)
- Next-gen Xbox Could Cost Up to $1,800, New Report Says (Polygon)
- Report: Xbox To Release Next-Gen Handheld In 2027 & Expensive Helix Console In 2028 (Pure Xbox)
- Worried About PS6 Price? Next Xbox Could Be as Much as $1,800 (Push Square)
- Xbox Project Helix is eyeing a 2028 launch, but the price could be as high as $1,800 (Digital Trends Gaming)