Rs 1.7 lakh next-gen Xbox? Project Helix launch reportedly set for 2028

The next-generation Xbox console, currently known by its codename Project Helix, could carry a price tag of up to $1,800 (approximately Rs 1.69 lakh), according to a report by Fortune. The reported estimate puts the upcoming device in a significantly higher price bracket than current consoles. Microsoft has confirmed that Project Helix will support both Xbox and PC games, but its final price and release date have not been announced.

The projected price range is reportedly based on internal estimates at Microsoft. According to Fortune, the console could cost between $1,200 (approximately Rs 1.13 lakh) and $1,800 (approximately Rs 1.69 lakh), although the final price could be lower if the company chooses to subsidise the hardware.

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Project Helix price could rise if Microsoft does not subsidise console

The potential price of Project Helix comes amid rising costs across the gaming hardware market. Inflation, higher manufacturing expenses and component shortages linked to growing demand from the artificial intelligence industry have contributed to concerns about more expensive consoles.

Indian buyers could face even higher prices than consumers in the US, where gaming hardware is often sold at lower prices. For instance, the PS5 Slim, listed at $599 (approximately Rs 56,557) in the US, is currently selling for around Rs 70,000 in India.

The report also points to the Steam Machine's expected pricing as another indication of rising costs in the gaming market. However, Microsoft's final pricing strategy for Project Helix remains unconfirmed.

What Microsoft has revealed about Project Helix

Microsoft first shared details about Project Helix at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March 2026. Jason Ronald, Xbox's vice-president of next-generation, said the company was working on the successor to the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles.

Ronald said the next-generation system was being developed to deliver more realistic, immersive and dynamic gaming worlds. Microsoft has also confirmed that Project Helix will be capable of running both Xbox and PC titles, distinguishing it from a conventional console focused exclusively on console games.

The company plans to begin sending alpha versions of the hardware to game developers in 2027, according to Ronald's remarks at GDC. These early versions would allow developers to begin working on games for the new platform.

The timeline comes as the gaming industry faces concerns about memory and storage shortages. While the reported developer-testing schedule offers an indication of Microsoft's plans, the console's commercial launch date and final retail price have yet to be confirmed.

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Microsoft's gaming business and Project Helix

The Project Helix developments come after Asha Sharma succeeded Phil Spencer as Microsoft Gaming CEO. The company is looking to advance its next-generation hardware while continuing to develop its gaming business.

According to Fortune, console usage has rebounded year over year following a decline in the previous year. The report also noted that Sharma expects Microsoft's financial performance to begin improving in its fiscal year 2027.

Although Project Helix is confirmed to support both Xbox and PC games, the reported price range remains an internal projection rather than an official retail price. Whether Microsoft subsidises the hardware could play a significant role in determining how much consumers eventually pay.