Ybarra Questions Reported $1,200 to $1,800 Xbox Project Helix Price
The former Xbox executive said a console needs great games and a $399 to $499 entry price, and urged players to wait with a PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X.
Former Xbox executive Mike Ybarra said he finds the reported price of Xbox Project Helix very hard to believe, pushing back on claims that the upcoming console is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800, according to wccftech.com.
In a post on X, Ybarra argued that a console needs two things to succeed: great games and a low entry price. He cited $399 to $499 as the appropriate range, and said a console sold at the rumored figures would never sell meaningful units and would carry zero value compared with the alternatives.
His advice to players in the meantime was to stick with a PS5 Pro and an Xbox Series X until prices normalize.
Where the reported figures come from
Earlier this week, reports said Xbox Project Helix targets a Holiday 2028 release window, possibly alongside a major exclusive such as The Elder Scrolls VI, and projected its cost at between $1,200 and $1,800. RAM and SSD storage prices have been rising sharply due to the AI boom, a factor cited in coverage of those projections.
Microsoft and Sony have already invested heavily in next-generation systems through their AMD partnerships. AMD FSR 4.1 has been revealed as coming to Xbox Series X|S, and QSSR for the base PlayStation 5.
Quick answers
How much is Xbox Project Helix rumored to cost?
Reports cited by wccftech.com projected the console at between $1,200 and $1,800, figures Mike Ybarra said he finds very hard to believe.
What price does Mike Ybarra think a console needs?
He cited $399 to $499 as an appropriate entry price, alongside great games.
When is Xbox Project Helix reportedly targeting release?
Reports earlier this week pointed to a Holiday 2028 release window, possibly alongside a major exclusive such as The Elder Scrolls VI.