The next Xbox console could be much more expensive than many gamers expected. According to a new report from Fortune, Microsoft is targeting a late 2028 release for its next-generation Xbox console, with internal price projections ranging from $1,200 to $1,800.
That would make the upcoming system significantly more expensive than previous Xbox consoles. However, there is an important detail to keep in mind: Microsoft has not officially confirmed the final price or release date.
The information comes from a detailed Fortune report published on October 20, 2026, which looks at Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s plans to turn around Microsoft’s gaming business.
Next Xbox Console Reportedly Targeting Late 2028
According to Fortune, Microsoft is planning to release its next-generation Xbox console during the 2028 holiday season.
The upcoming hardware is associated with Project Helix, Microsoft’s next-generation gaming platform. The company has previously described Project Helix as a system designed to play both Xbox and PC games.
This could make the next Xbox different from traditional consoles. Instead of focusing only on a closed console ecosystem, Microsoft appears to be exploring a platform that brings console gaming and PC gaming closer together.
However, the full hardware specifications, design, performance targets and launch lineup have not been confirmed in the report.
For now, 2028 should be treated as a reported target rather than a guaranteed launch date. Hardware plans can change during development, especially when a company is still working on the final design and pricing.
Why Could the Next Xbox Cost $1,200 to $1,800?
The biggest talking point is the reported price.
According to Fortune, internal projections put the next Xbox console’s potential price between $1,200 and $1,800. The report also notes that Microsoft could subsidize the hardware to bring the price down for consumers.
To put that range into perspective, a $1,200 console would already sit in a premium price category. At $1,800, the system would cost more than many gaming PCs and laptops.
But this does not mean Microsoft has decided to sell every version of the next Xbox at those prices. These are reported internal projections, not an official retail price list.
The final price could depend on the hardware configuration, manufacturing costs, market conditions and Microsoft’s pricing strategy.
Could Project Helix Offer PC-Level Gaming?
One possible reason for the expected high price is the system’s reported focus on both Xbox and PC games.
A platform that aims to deliver high-end PC gaming alongside a console-style experience could require more powerful hardware than a traditional budget-friendly console.
Still, Microsoft has not revealed the complete specifications of Project Helix. It is too early to make firm claims about its processor, graphics performance, memory, storage or how it will compare with future gaming PCs.
The idea of combining Xbox and PC gaming is interesting, though. If Microsoft can make the experience simple and convenient, Project Helix could appeal to players who want access to both gaming ecosystems without building a separate PC.
The big question is whether enough gamers will be willing to pay a premium for that experience.
A New Xbox Handheld Could Arrive First
The same Fortune report says Microsoft is planning a next-generation handheld gaming device by the 2027 holiday season.
If the reported timeline holds, the handheld could arrive roughly a year before the next main Xbox console.
That would give Microsoft another way to expand its gaming hardware lineup. Players who prefer portable gaming could have a new option before the full Project Helix console arrives.
However, the report does not settle every question about the handheld. Its final design, specifications, price and relationship with existing Xbox-branded handheld products remain unclear.
Microsoft’s wider hardware strategy may include more than one type of device, but the company has not provided a complete public roadmap with confirmed prices and launch dates.
Will Microsoft Make the Console More Affordable?
The reported $1,200–$1,800 range could create a challenge for Microsoft.
Many console players expect gaming systems to be more affordable than high-end gaming PCs. If the next Xbox launches at the upper end of this range, some buyers may prefer a gaming PC or continue using their current console.
Microsoft could potentially reduce the price through hardware subsidies or offer different products at different price points. However, neither approach should be treated as a confirmed pricing plan for Project Helix.
The final decision will likely depend on the hardware’s production cost and Microsoft’s goals for the next generation.
A premium console could make sense if it offers a major leap in performance and useful PC gaming features. But a high price could also limit its audience, especially among players who mainly want to play mainstream Xbox games.
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What This Means for Xbox Fans
For now, Xbox fans should treat the reported price and launch window as early information rather than final specifications.
The most important takeaway is that Microsoft is reportedly targeting a late 2028 release for its next main console, while a next-generation handheld could arrive in late 2027.
The reported price range is eye-catching, but the possibility of a subsidy means the final retail price could be lower. Microsoft has not announced a confirmed price, exact release date or full hardware specification list.
Until more details are officially revealed, it is best not to assume that every next-generation Xbox model will cost $1,200 or more.
What do you think? Would you pay $1,200 or more for a next-generation Xbox if it could play both Xbox and PC games, or would you rather build a gaming PC? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Note: The console’s reported price and release window have not been officially confirmed by Microsoft. This article discusses reported plans, not a confirmed retail announcement.