New Details of Xbox’s Project Helix Revealed - Possible Price and Release Date

Like Sony, Microsoft is working on its next-generation console, Project Helix, which was officially unveiled earlier this year. New rumors cover the two things gamers likely care about most: the planned release date and the price, which may turn out to be high.

The new report was shared by Fortune, citing its own sources. According to the info, Microsoft is considering releasing Project Helix closer to the 2028 holiday season, although earlier rumors pointed to next year, like the PlayStation 6. The company also plans to release a next-generation handheld console in 2027. Fortune adds that the internal production timeline for Project Helix has been moved up by several months, which puts pressure on developers to work faster and even use AI. The report also claims Xbox head Asha Sharma wants Project Helix to run its own software, while some developers favor Windows. As for the price, figures from $1,200 to $1,800 (retail) are being mentioned, but Microsoft may cover part of the cost itself.

Fortune: The next Xbox "Helix" console is projected to cost consumers between $1200-1800, unless Microsoft decides to subsidize the cost

Other detail:

• Xbox planning major Game Pass overhaul with pick and choose features (add-ons, console only, cloud, multiplayer, etc.
• Next-gen Xbox handheld device planned by holiday 2027, Project Helix by holiday 2028.
• Next rounds of Xbox layoffs this month, November and January (subject to change).

Because Fortune relies on its own sources, this report should be treated as a rumor for now. Xbox hasn’t confirmed or denied anything about Project Helix, especially the price or release window. Still, a price like this may seem justified given earlier rumors that Project Helix will be more powerful than the PS6, judging by its alleged specs.

As for Sony’s next-generation console, even fewer details are available. Moreover, Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki recently confirmed the company has not yet decided when to release the PlayStation 6.