Microsoft is reportedly preparing to release a new handheld gaming device by the 2027 holiday season. Following this, the company plans to launch its next-generation console, internally codenamed Project Helix, in late 2028. The console may be priced between $1,200 and $1,800, unless the company chooses to subsidize the hardware costs.
CEO Asha Sharma describes Project Helix as a family of devices rather than a single unit. The hardware will likely utilize new AMD chips, building on a multi-year partnership established last year. Internal reports suggest that the Xbox team has secured control over the software development for the upcoming platform, despite historical disagreements with the Windows division.
The company is also exploring structural changes to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Potential updates include introducing ad-supported tiers and modular add-ons for multiplayer, cloud gaming, and console-specific titles. These initiatives follow recent reversals of previous price hikes and the decision to remove future Call of Duty titles from day-one availability.
Operational adjustments are also underway at the company. CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly scheduled a series of workforce reductions for the current month, with additional rounds of layoffs expected to follow in November and January.
