New Details Revealed About Next-Gen Xbox Consoles
A new report from Fortune reveals potential release windows for an upcoming Xbox handheld in holiday 2027 and a next-gen console in holiday 2028, alongside details on pricing estimates and internal software disputes.
It seems Xbox is trying to keep its word and certainly hasn't abandoned the development of its handheld console. Although not many details have been released yet, it appears a launch window is planned much sooner than we expected: as early as 2027. At the same time, various leaks have surfaced online regarding the next-generation console under the codename Project Helix, though there doesn't seem to be any further information beyond that yet.
A new report published in Fortune magazine shed light on the company's launch windows, stating that the handheld console will arrive around the 2027 holiday season. Regarding the next-gen console, which is expected to launch in the 2028 holiday season, internal estimates were published suggesting its pricing could be nothing short of astronomical, ranging between $1,200 and $1,800. However, the price could drop if Microsoft decides to subsidize the hardware costs.
The report also revealed a bit of behind-the-scenes drama, as it seems there was a falling out between the Xbox and Windows development teams over the software that will run Project Helix. One team wanted a lite version of Windows Home for the handheld console, while the other team insisted on developing dedicated software tailored for gaming performance. The situation escalated, and according to the report, a senior Xbox executive threatened to cancel the handheld console project entirely. Things have apparently calmed down since then, and Xbox now holds full control over the console's operating system.
What do you think: should they develop dedicated software for the handheld console, even if it increases development costs and delays the launch? Let us know in the comments!