معلومات أساسية
A recent report from Fortune suggests that Microsoft's next-generation console, internally referred to as Helix, could carry a price tag between 1200 and 1800 dollars. These figures are contingent on whether Microsoft chooses to subsidize the hardware costs for the device, which is currently projected to reach the market in 2028.
Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard and vice president of Xbox, expressed significant skepticism regarding the commercial viability of such pricing. Ybarra stated that consoles are intended for a mass-market audience, which typically requires a lower entry price point of approximately 399 to 499 dollars to achieve relevant sales volume.
Ybarra argued that a console priced at the rumored levels would fail to attract a significant user base. He suggested that consumers should continue utilizing existing hardware like the PS5 Pro or Series X, noting that these devices already meet the needs of 99 percent of the audience and that there is no widespread demand for increased power.
The potential high cost of Helix raises questions about the industry's economic model, particularly as hardware component expenses remain elevated. While some speculate that these high figures might be a strategic move to manage consumer expectations before an official announcement, the financial feasibility of Microsoft subsidizing such expensive hardware remains a point of concern.
