Next-gen Xbox may cost up to $1,800, Microsoft could subsidize price

Fortune reported that the upcoming Xbox Helix, expected in 2028, might be priced between $1,200 and $1,800, a figure that has raised concerns about its market viability, according to The Verge.

The Verge noted that Microsoft likely understands consumers will resist such a high price, and the company might not charge that much to ensure the console's success.

Former Xbox president Sarah Bond described the next Xbox as the largest technical leap in hardware generation, which could explain the elevated production costs due to expensive components like RAM and storage.

The Verge also mentioned that Microsoft has historically subsidized Xbox consoles, selling them at a loss initially and recouping profits through game sales and subscriptions, suggesting a similar approach might be used for the Helix.

Several possibilities exist for how Microsoft might manage the high internal cost without passing it fully to consumers, though these options may not be favorable to all buyers, The Verge reported.