Microsoft Reportedly Eyes $1,200-$1,800 price Range for 2028 Project Helix console, Plans handheld for 2027

Dual strategy emerges in Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma

By LineZotpaper

Published21 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Microsoft is planning two new gaming devices under its Project Helix initiative: a handheld by the end of 2027 and a console for the 2028 holiday season, with an internally projected price of $1,200 to $1,800, according to a Fortune profile. The console price, which could be reduced through a subsidy, would be the highest ever for the market.

In a wide-ranging profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, Fortune revealed that Microsoft has a two-pronged hardware roadmap. A next-generation handheld device is expected by the end of 2027, followed by a console release during the 2028 holiday season. The console is part of the Project Helix initiative, which Microsoft announced in March as a device that would “play your Xbox and PC games.” The company had previously provided no further hardware details.

According to Fortune, the projected price for the console ranges from $1,200 to $1,800, based on internal company estimates. The report notes that the eventual consumer price could be lower if Microsoft decides to subsidize the cost, a common practice in the console industry.

The price would be unprecedented for a console, even adjusting for inflation. Fortune contextualizes the figure with current market prices: the Steam Machine crossed the $1,000 starting price this year, the PlayStation 5 Pro costs $900, and the six-year-old Xbox Series X starts at $750. The rising cost of cutting-edge gaming hardware is attributed to a slowdown in Moore’s Law and AI-driven component shortages.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The rumoured console price would make it the most expensive game console ever sold, potentially redefining the market.
A dual handheld and console strategy signals Microsoft’s intent to compete in both portable and living-room gaming, merging Xbox and PC ecosystems.
The 2028 release gives the industry time to adjust, but the price sets a new benchmark for premium gaming hardware.

Background

Project Helix was announced by Microsoft in March 2026 as a device that would play both Xbox and PC games. The company had not previously shared hardware details. The console market has seen prices rise steadily, with products such as the PlayStation 5 Pro ($900) and the Xbox Series X ($750) reflecting the cost of increasingly powerful components. The slowdown of Moore’s Law and AI-driven demand for chips have pushed up manufacturing costs across the industry.

Key Perspectives

[Microsoft]: The company is preparing a premium device that delivers PC-level gaming performance in a console form factor. The option to subsidize the cost gives it flexibility to keep the price accessible if needed. [Industry observers]: The trend toward higher console prices was already evident with the Steam Machine and PS5 Pro. A $1,200 price point, while high, follows current market logic. [Critics and consumers]: The traditional console audience may be priced out of the $1,200 model. The handheld device, expected in 2027, could offer a more affordable entry into the Project Helix ecosystem.

What to Watch

Whether Microsoft announces a subsidised consumer price closer to launch.
The specifications, performance and price of the 2027 handheld device.
How Sony, Nintendo and other competitors adjust their pricing and release strategies by 2028.

Sources

Microsoft reportedly projects $1,200 to $1,800 price for 2028 Project Helix · Ars Technica - All content

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 6 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedMicrosoft reportedly projects a $1,200–$1,800 price range for the console.Ars Technica - All content: “a 2028 holiday season console release that could cost between $1,200 and $1,800. That future console price range is based on what has "internally been projected" at the company”
Partly supportedMicrosoft plans a handheld by the end of 2027.Ars Technica - All content: “a next-generation handheld device" planned by the end of next year”
Not in the sourcesMicrosoft is planning two new gaming devices under Project Helix.Ars Technica - All content: “Microsoft's upcoming "Project Helix" gaming hardware since the company announced it in March as a device that will "play your Xbox and PC games." In a new wide-ranging profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, though, Fortune alludes to a dual release strategy for upcoming Microsoft gaming hardware”
SupportedThe console is planned for the 2028 holiday season.Ars Technica - All content: “a 2028 holiday season console release”
Partly supportedFortune revealed a two-pronged hardware roadmap in its profile of Asha Sharma.Ars Technica - All content: “Fortune alludes to a dual release strategy for upcoming Microsoft gaming hardware”
SupportedMicrosoft announced Project Helix in March as a device that would “play your Xbox and PC games.”Ars Technica - All content: “the company announced it in March as a device that will "play your Xbox and PC games."”
Partly supportedMicrosoft had provided no further hardware details after the announcement.Ars Technica - All content: “We haven't heard many details about Microsoft's upcoming "Project Helix" gaming hardware since the company announced it in March”
Partly supportedThe console price would be the highest ever in the market, even adjusted for inflation.Ars Technica - All content: “While a $1,200 starting price would be historically high for the game console market, even accounting for inflation”
SupportedThe consumer price could be lower if Microsoft subsidizes the cost.Ars Technica - All content: “the price for consumers could come down if "Microsoft decides to subsidize the cost," the outlet says”
SupportedThe Steam Machine’s starting price exceeded $1,000 this year, the PlayStation 5 Pro costs $900, and the Xbox Series X starts at $750.Ars Technica - All content: “This year, the Steam Machine broke the $1,000 starting price, while the 2-year-old technology in the PlayStation 5 Pro is now going for $900, and the 6-year-old Xbox Series X now starts at $750.”
SupportedA slowdown in Moore’s Law and AI-driven component shortages mean cutting-edge gaming hardware is more expensive.Ars Technica - All content: “The slowdown in Moore's Law and AI-driven component shortages mean cutting-edge gaming hardware just isn't as cheap as it used to be.”