We've been hearing a lot about Xbox's next-gen console this year which is codenamed "Project Helix", and we even know that developers will be getting it in 2027 — but what about a release timeline for the public?
Xbox boss Asha Sharma knows we want one, but is rightfully being cautious about it for now. Talking to GameFile last week, Sharma responded to a question about memory shortages and price increases by stating that "the world's pretty dynamic" and that there are lots of variables that will go into a release window, pricing and availability.
"All of these things are an equation. Memory costs will impact pricing, will impact availability. As we think about being where the world plays, we will take that into consideration. So we're not ready to share a launch timeline right now. The world's pretty dynamic. My number one focus, though, is to focus on what's in our control, build a great console to play great games, including your PC games."
"All I can share is that we have development kits going out next year, and we're working really hard and have a lot to continue to do and a lot continue to learn. But we're really excited about Project Helix and the initial feedback that we're getting."
If you haven't been following the issues surrounding RAM shortages and price increases, it was reported back in late 2025 that a new deal struck between OpenAI and several manufacturing partners could raise the cost of memory significantly, and a report in December even suggested that Helix and the PS6 could be delayed as a result of it.
Nothing's been confirmed in that regard though, and to be honest, we still reckon Project Helix could release to the public in late 2027. The bigger question is how much it will cost, and we've speculated for a while now that Helix will likely be the most expensive console in Xbox history — it's hard to see how it wouldn't be.
Whatever happens, we're surely looking at either a 2027 or 2028 release for Project Helix, and who knows... maybe it'll get a full unveiling, including a look at the system itself, on Xbox's 25th anniversary (November 15th, 2026). We'll see!
If you haven't voted yet, we'll throw our poll from last month about a Helix release year down below: