Former Xbox head Mike Ybarra criticized the possible price of Project Helix at $1200–1800 and stated that at such a cost, Microsoft should not release a new console at all.
According to Fortune, Microsoft's internal forecasts suggest such a price without significant device subsidization. Project Helix is expected to be released by Christmas 2028, and a portable console may appear in 2027. Among the reasons for the price increase are rising prices for RAM and SSD due to demand from the AI industry.
On the social network X, Ybarra noted that consoles should be accessible to a wide audience, and a reasonable price is $399–499. At a cost of up to $1800, the device will lose its meaning as an affordable alternative to a gaming PC and will be sold in extremely limited editions.
Instead, the former head suggests focusing on the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X, which still provide sufficient performance, and better optimizing games for the current generation. However, $1200–1800 is just a leaked range: Microsoft has not yet revealed the specifications and price of Project Helix.