Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console, reportedly known as Project Helix, is targeting a launch during the 2028 holiday season. However, gamers may not have to wait that long for new hardware, as a next-generation Xbox handheld is reportedly planned for release by the 2027 holiday season.
According to a report based on a Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Project Helix could cost between $1,200 and $1,800, equivalent to approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. These figures are projections, not confirmed retail prices, and Microsoft has yet to finalise the console’s pricing.
Xbox Handheld Could Arrive Before Project Helix
Microsoft is reportedly preparing a new generation of Xbox handheld devices ahead of its flagship console launch. The company has indicated that its future hardware strategy will involve a “family of devices” designed for different types of gamers.
To expand its portable gaming lineup, Microsoft is expected to work with third-party manufacturers, following its earlier collaboration with Asus on the ROG Ally. The upcoming handheld is intended to provide a console-like gaming experience while allowing users to play on the move.
If the reported timeline holds, the handheld could reach consumers around a year before Project Helix.
Why Could the Next Xbox Cost So Much?
The reported price range would place Project Helix well above traditional gaming consoles. One possible factor is the rising cost of computer components amid growing demand from artificial intelligence data centres, which require substantial memory and storage resources.
Higher component costs could increase manufacturing expenses, although the final retail price will depend on Microsoft's hardware choices, pricing strategy and whether it subsidises the device.
Project Helix is also expected to target the premium gaming market. Reports suggest it will support both Xbox and PC games, potentially offering greater flexibility than a conventional console.
The hardware is also expected to benefit from AMD’s next-generation FSR Diamond upscaling technology, which is designed to improve gaming performance and visual quality. Final specifications and performance claims remain subject to official confirmation.
Xbox Game Pass May Also Get a New Pricing Model
Microsoft is reportedly considering changes to Xbox Game Pass, potentially moving towards a more flexible, tiered subscription model.
Under the proposed approach, users could choose individual features such as console gaming, multiplayer access or cloud streaming instead of paying for a broader package. However, the reported changes and their final structure have not been officially confirmed.
For now, the reported 2027 handheld and 2028 Project Helix launch windows offer an early glimpse of Microsoft's possible hardware roadmap. Gamers will need to wait for official announcements to learn the final specifications, prices and availability.
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