A deep-dive profile examining Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shed additional light on the sweeping transformation that is currently underway inside Microsoft’s gaming business. Looking well past the 100-day reset plan, it's come to light that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could land on retail shelves for the holiday 2028 shopping season with a sticker price ranging from $1,200 to $1,800.
To be clear, Sharma did not throw out those figures herself. Instead, Fortune mentions the pricing as an aside, claiming that the $1,200 to $1,800 range is what Microsoft currently projects the retail cost to be when Project Helix launches over two years from now.
Those looking for a silver lining will find two glimmers of hope. For one, if the system does indeed launch in late 2028, it's possible that the current shortage on key components like memory and storage will be sorted out, at least to some extent. Should that happen, next-gen consoles may not balloon in cost as much as feared in the consumer space. Of course, it's just as possible that the situation will worsen.
The more promising hope for cheaper pricing could come from subsidized hardware. The $1,200 to $1,800 projection assumes Microsoft sells Project Helix completely unsubsidized, though historically, console makers have treated hardware as a loss leader. That's because companies like Microsoft and Sony bank on game sales and subscription services balancing the ledger, which requires a big install base. However, if Microsoft refuses to absorb hundreds of dollars per unit and/or component costs continue to skyrocket, gamers could be left footing the entire manufacturing bill themselves.
This is not a challenge that is unique to Microsoft. Early projections also have Sony's next-gen PlayStation 6 console costing north of $1,000, and for the same reasons. And to put it into perspective, the Xbox Series X now starts at $799.99, while the PlayStation 5 (disc edition) and PlayStation 5 Pro (disc drive not included) command $649.99 and $899.99, respectively, following price hikes earlier this year.
Hardware is only half the equation. In addition to a next-gen Xbox console and likely a handheld or two, it's said Microsoft is also preparing to overhaul its Game Pass subscription service in a way that would let gamers pick and choose individual add-ons covering console-only game libraries, cloud streaming, or dedicated online multiplayer access.
We'll have to wait and see how it all unfolds. In the meantime, the deep dive is definitely worth checking out.
Paul is a seasoned geek who cut this teeth on the Commodore 64. When he's not geeking out to tech, he's out riding his Harley and collecting stray cats.