Featured Image Credit: Microsoft
Topics: Microsoft, PC, Xbox, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Tech
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has resparked fears surrounding Xbox’s next-gen console, specifically the price.
Project Helix, as it’s currently known, is Xbox’s console and PC hybrid that’ll reportedly merge your current console’s library with that of Steam, Epic Games Store, and other digital storefronts.
While Valve’s Steam Machine is seemingly being made for those wanting to dabble in PC gaming, Project Helix looks to be built for those who want to go all-in.
Several leaks have given us an idea of its specs, compatibility with other operating systems and more, but what gamers want to know most is how much it’ll cost, something Asha Sharma recently tackled in an interview with Game File.
Joined by Xbox’s chief content officer Matt Booty, Asha Sharma spoke at length about Xbox’s plans for the future as there have been a lot of changes taking place with plenty more to come.
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Sharma was asked about the pricing plans for Project Helix and whether the recent RAM and SSD shortages will have an impact.
The response wasn’t something we wanted to hear, as Sharma said: "All of these things are an equation. Memory costs will impact pricing, and will impact availability.”
It’s not a complete surprise as the memory shortages are hitting all console manufacturers, including Sony while it works on the PlayStation 6.
That said this update is especially worrying for Project Helix as that’s a console that was always going to cost a fortune regardless, as we’ve seen in the latest insider reports.
It’s claimed that Project Helix is currently targeting a price-tag of $1,200, apparently justified by the system giving the performance of a $2,000 to $3,000 PC.
READ MORE: Xbox Next-Gen Console Price Update Proves Steam Machine Is Superior
Now if you’re keen to ditch consoles and become a full-time PC player, that might not be a bad deal but for the casual gamers this price is going to be a big turn off.
As if to try and off-set this, Xbox has been making moves to make gaming more affordable as of late.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC both saw massive price reductions this month and a new collaboration with Discord is landing 50 free Xbox games in PC users’ libraries.
These actions have definitely won back favour with fans after years of ridicule but there’s still more work to be done, and while Asha Sharma is confident her new vision for Xbox will see continued growth the company might have already doomed itself with its next-gen console.
Even the die-hard Xbox fans probably won’t want to pay over $1,000 for Project Helix especially in this economy.
If the RAM and SSD shortages are fixed that might have a positive impact on Project Helix’s price, but even without them it sounds like the new console and PC hybrid is going to cost a fortune whichever way you slice it.