Microsoft reportedly projects $1,200 to $1,800 price for 2028 Project Helix

Microsoft is reportedly considering an ambitious price point of between $1,200 and $1,800 for its next gaming console, Project Helix, set to launch around the 2028 holiday season. The projection comes from internal company estimates, according to a report by Fortune. However, the actual retail price may be lower if Microsoft chooses to subsidize the cost, similar to strategies employed by other console manufacturers.

While $1,200 would be considered a significant amount for a gaming console, even after adjusting for inflation, it nonetheless signals a shift in the market landscape. The lack of Moore's Law-driven advancements in hardware, combined with the increasing demand for AI-driven components, has made high-end gaming hardware more expensive than in previous years.

For context, this year's Steam Machine broke the $1,000 starting price, and the PlayStation 5 Pro, which was released two years ago, is now priced at $900. Additionally, the Xbox Series X, which is six years old, has a starting price of $750.