Key information
Project Helix is reportedly slated for a 2028 holiday season release, with projected pricing ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. Sources familiar with Microsoft and Xbox indicate that development deadlines for the next-generation console have been accelerated by at least several months.
To meet these tighter schedules, development teams are reportedly utilizing artificial intelligence. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma clarified that AI will not be used for its own sake, but rather as a functional tool to address engineering and performance challenges.
Sharma emphasized that the company is prioritizing efficiency and affordability alongside performance for the upcoming hardware. The broader strategy involves providing consumers with increased choice regarding how they purchase and engage with console gaming.
Beyond the console, Xbox is reportedly planning a next-generation handheld device for late next year and a potential overhaul of the Game Pass subscription model. These initiatives occur as the company navigates a period of restructuring, including planned layoffs and internal efforts to better connect its various business bets.
