- A reputable insider suggests that Xbox’s Project Helix console could cost over $1,000
- Microsoft’s CEO states that they will ‘always’ invest in games
- Project Helix may have trouble competing in the console space at a price above $1,000
Microsoft has recently undergone major management changes, with Xbox heads Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond stepping down. However, plans for a premium next-generation gaming console are apparently still alive and well.
According to reputable insider Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID), Xbox’s next-gen Project Helix console could ‘probably’ cost $1,000 or more, similar to the price of ROG Xbox Ally X handhelds. This comes after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella promised that the company would “always” keep its gaming focus alive, as reported by Windows Central.
It has been heavily rumored and now finally confirmed that the next Xbox console will be a hybrid PC that can play both Xbox and PC games, which is a whole new strategy for Xbox. That puts Project Helix in direct competition with Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine, which will bring Steam games to the console gaming market.
The article continues below
MLID’s price claim is apparently more speculation based on current market conditions and Project Helix’s potential hardware specs rather than a ‘leak’. However, if the alleged price range is accurate, Nadella’s message may not resonate well with Xbox fans and consumer expectations.
“To me, we’re in for the long haul,” Nadella said. “We will continue to invest [in gaming]and we always will.”
While the clear goal is to maintain Xbox’s presence in the console market, a new standard in pricing that can actually be for a high-end hybrid gaming PC undoubtedly places Project Helix outside the competition in the console market.
Project Helix is clearly still in its early stages, and with the RAM crisis leaving most PC hardware prices up in the air, it’s no surprise that the next-gen Xbox console is expected to be expensive for consumers.
Sony’s next PlayStation console is still expected to launch in 2027, as well as Project Helix, with the latter reportedly the more powerful console – and if the PS6 launches at a more affordable price, it could serve as another notch in Microsoft’s gaming efforts.
The best gaming consoles
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
