Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox Helix console’s rumored price has leaked and it’s not cheap at all

Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console is already shaping up to be a major departure from what gamers are used to, but there’s one rumored detail that could put some people off.

Codenamed Project Helix, the upcoming system is expected to combine traditional Xbox gaming with PC capabilities, potentially opening the door to a much bigger library of games.

However, a new pricing report suggests getting your hands on the hardware could cost considerably more than buying a current-generation console.

And if the estimates are accurate, gamers might need to start saving now.

How much is Microsoft’s next Xbox rumored to cost?

According to reports, Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox could arrive with a projected price tag of between $1,200 and $1,800.

The figures reportedly come from internal pricing projections, suggesting Microsoft is anticipating some seriously expensive hardware.

For context, that would put the next Xbox well above the price of most traditional gaming consoles, potentially making it one of the most expensive mainstream gaming systems to date.

The report also suggests the console could arrive during the 2028 holiday season, although Microsoft has yet to confirm an official release date or retail price.

It’s worth remembering that these are projections rather than a confirmed price list, meaning the final figure could look very different by the time Project Helix reaches stores.

Project Helix wants to bring Xbox and PC gaming together

There’s a reason the next Xbox could be considerably more expensive than its predecessors.

Microsoft has ambitious plans for Project Helix, which is designed to play both Xbox console games and PC titles, anything from Call of Duty to Pikmin.

The company officially announced the project in March 2026, confirming that it is working with AMD on a custom system-on-a-chip to power the next generation of hardware.

Xbox says the system is being designed to deliver significant improvements in ray tracing, graphics performance and efficiency.

It could also make the distinction between owning a gaming PC and an Xbox console much less important, giving players access to experiences from both ecosystems.

Microsoft has also confirmed that it intends to keep games from four generations of Xbox playable, which could be another major selling point for longtime fans.

Microsoft could take a financial hit to make it more affordable

Despite the rumored price, Microsoft may not necessarily expect customers to pay the full cost of producing the hardware.

Geeky Gadgets reports that the company could consider subsidizing Project Helix, potentially absorbing more than $800 in losses per console to bring the retail price down.

However, that would mean finding other ways to make money, with a possible overhaul of Xbox Game Pass reportedly being considered.

One rumored proposal involves splitting features such as cloud gaming, multiplayer, and console games into separate subscription tiers.

Microsoft is also reportedly working on a handheld gaming device that could arrive during the 2027 holiday season, ahead of the main Project Helix console.

For now, there’s plenty we still don’t know about Microsoft’s next-generation gaming plans.

But if the rumored pricing is anywhere close to reality, Project Helix could be a very different kind of Xbox - and a considerably more expensive one.

SB Media has reached out to Microsoft for comment.