Xbox Helix Console Price Reportedly Estimated

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly plans a next-gen Helix handheld and console, an overhauled Game Pass, and more layoffs, according to a new Fortune report. 

The handheld is expected by the 2027 holiday season, with the console due by the 2028 holidays. The Helix console is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800 unless Microsoft decides to subsidize the price.

The Xbox and Windows teams have reportedly clashed over the software for Project Helix. Windows leaders wanted the handheld to run a trimmed-down version of Windows Home, while Sharma's team wanted to build its own software for better gaming performance. A senior Xbox executive even threatened to scrap the handheld rather than adopt the Windows build, according to people briefed on the matter. Xbox is now largely steering the direction of the operating system, though Sharma says the teams still work closely: "We can't build Helix on our own."

At the same time, Xbox is also planning a major overhaul of Game Pass. Players would be able to choose individual features, including add-ons for console-only games, cloud gaming, and multiplayer, in a tiered system, according to people familiar with the strategy.

On the cost side, Xbox has so far laid off 1,868 people as part of a plan to reduce the workforce by 3,200 over the next year, and has removed several management layers. More waves of job cuts are reportedly planned for October, November, and January, though the plans may change.

Since taking over, Sharma has put Xbox's new motto on office walls: "Great games; return of Xbox; future of play."