Microsoft internal projections suggest $1,200 to $1,800 price point for 2028 console

Microsoft is developing a new gaming console, identified internally as Project Helix, with an expected launch window in the 2028 holiday season. Internal company projections cited in a recent profile suggest retail pricing for the hardware could range between $1,200 and $1,800, though this figure remains subject to change.

The potential price point reflects rising manufacturing costs driven by the deceleration of Moore's Law and persistent component shortages. While such a high entry price would be unprecedented for a mainstream consumer console, analysts note that industry trends have already pushed specialized gaming hardware toward the $1,000 threshold.

Final consumer pricing may deviate from these projections if Microsoft opts to subsidize hardware costs to boost market adoption. This strategy, common among console manufacturers, would involve recouping hardware investments through software and service sales over the life of the platform.

In addition to the 2028 console, Microsoft is reportedly developing a handheld gaming device, with a potential release targeted for the end of 2025. This dual-track hardware strategy aims to diversify the company's gaming ecosystem beyond traditional stationary consoles.