Reports detail Microsoft's next-gen Xbox plans, handheld disputes, and looming layoffs
Microsoft is targeting a 2028 launch for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, alongside a potential handheld in 2027, an overhaul of Game Pass, and possible staff cuts across Xbox.
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is targeting a release in 2028 and could cost between $1,200 and $1,800 unless the company chooses to subsidize the hardware, according to details revealed in a Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma by Sebastian Herrera. Outlets including IGN, Ars Technica, and VGC cited the internal price projection for the premium hardware, with Wccftech reporting a targeted holiday 2028 window.[1][2][3][4][5][7][8][9][10][12][14][15]
The profile also revealed that Xbox is planning a major overhaul of its Game Pass subscription service and aims to release a handheld gaming device by late 2027. However, Kotaku reported that the handheld initiative has faced an internal turf battle over its operating system, reaching a point where a senior Xbox executive reportedly threatened to scrap the project altogether rather than adopt a Windows build.[6][7][11][12]
Alongside the long-term hardware and service roadmap, Microsoft may soon initiate staff cuts. According to reporting from The Verge and Tom Warren, Xbox layoffs could begin as early as October 2026, with additional cuts potentially taking place in November 2026 and January 2027.[11][13]
Key facts
- A Fortune profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reports that Microsoft is targeting a 2028 release for its next-generation console.
- The next-generation console, known as Project Helix, is internally projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800 unless subsidized by Microsoft.
- Microsoft is planning an Xbox handheld device for 2027 alongside a major Game Pass overhaul.
- Kotaku reported an internal dispute over the handheld's operating system, including an executive threat to cancel the project rather than use a Windows build.
- The Verge reported that Microsoft may carry out Xbox staff layoffs in October 2026, November 2026, and January 2027.
Sources · 12 sources
- IG
IGN@IGNPost on X ·
BREAKING: A new report claims that Xbox expects its next-generation console to cost as much as $1,800 and is currently targeting a 2028 release. A new handheld is also rumored to launch next year. https://t.co/aicTmv9u9n https://t.co/XgJnLfo1WH
Open source - EN
Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·
Microsoft is targeting a 2028 release for its next-gen Xbox, which could be incredibly expensive, according to details reported in a profile with Xbox's CEO. https://t.co/qk9QO9X2OH
Open source - IG
IGN@IGNPost on X ·
A new Forbes report claims Xbox plans to launch its next-gen console in 2028 and it may cost between $1,200 - $1,800. https://t.co/UzJWrngyeF
Open source - KO
Kotaku@KotakuPost on X ·
A new report suggests top-end Project Helix Xbox hardware could cost as much as $1,800 is Microsoft doesn't subsidize it https://t.co/e3MplEG9B3
Open source - IG
IGN@IGNPost on X ·
A new report claims that Xbox expects its next-generation console to cost as much as $1,800 and is currently targeting a 2028 release. Microsoft is also rumored to launch a new handheld in 2027. For more info: https://t.co/aicTmv9u9n https://t.co/eZ9ttGp3q5
Open source - KO
Kotaku@KotakuPost on X ·
Xbox reportedly plans to release a new gaming handheld in 2027 despite ongoing internal fights over the OS. The "turf battle" got so bad that a senior Xbox executive even reportedly threatened to scrap the handheld project entirely instead of adopt a Windows build for the OS. https://t.co/2v42A0ORCG
Open source - TE
TechmemeArticle ·
A profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma; sources: Xbox plans a major Game Pass overhaul, a next-gen handheld device by late 2027, and a next-gen console by late 2028 (Sebastian Herrera/Fortune) Sebastian Herrera / Fortune : A profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma; sources: Xbox plans a major Game Pass overhaul, a next-gen handheld device by late 2027, and a next-gen console by late 2028 — Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. — Asha Sharma returns from one of her walking meetings around Microsoft's sprawling campus in Redmond …
Open source - AT
Ars Technica@arstechnicaPost on X ·
Report: Microsoft's Project Helix planned for 2028 at $1,200 to $1,800 price https://t.co/PLjbTePEKO
Open source - WC
Wccftech@wccftechPost on X ·
Xbox Project Helix won't arrive until holiday 2028, with its price internally projected to reach $1,200 to $1,800. 🔗 https://t.co/BJkYebFFIp https://t.co/bz7PFAdpJJ
Open source - VG
VGC@VGC_NewsPost on X ·
Xbox’s next console, Project Helix, is targeting a 2028 launch and could cost between $1,200 and $1,800, according to a new report, “unless Microsoft decides to subsidize the cost.” https://t.co/MH7htIggch https://t.co/d13RmxVDoV
Open source - TW
Tom Warren@tomwarrenPost on X ·
Microsoft reportedly plans Xbox handheld in 2027, next-gen console in 2028. Xbox is also planning a Game Pass shake-up and fresh layoffs as early as this month. Details 👇 https://t.co/Z7i6ZErlPg
Open source - TE
Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·
A profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma; sources: Xbox plans a major Game Pass overhaul, a next-gen handheld device by late 2027, and next-gen console by late 2028 (@sebasaherrera / Fortune) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)
Open source - TV
The Verge@vergePost on X ·
Microsoft may lay off Xbox staff this month, in November, and in January. https://t.co/MkyhSSIOrc
Open source - PO
Polygon@PolygonPost on X ·
Next-gen Xbox Could Cost Up to $1,800, New Report Says https://t.co/9HT1idhwo9 https://t.co/yDPbhemRJP
Open source - UW
unusual_whales@unusual_whalesPost on X ·
BREAKING: Microsoft's, $MSFT, Xbox reportedly expects its next-generation console to cost as much as $1,800 and is currently targeting a 2028 release, per IGN. A new handheld is also rumored to launch next year.
Open source