Xbox has finally shared an important update about its next-generation console, Project Helix, and it’s not exactly great news for customers. According to the company, the ongoing memory shortage is going to directly impact both the pricing and availability of the upcoming device. Little is officially known about it, though we do know that it plays both Xbox and PC games.

In a recent interview with Game File, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that memory costs are a major concern. She explained that these costs will affect how much the console will sell for and how many units will be available at launch. Simply put, this means Project Helix could end up being more expensive than expected, and stock may be limited during its launch period.

Project Helix isn’t safe from the memory crisis

Right now, Xbox is not ready to share a release date. Sharma mentioned that the situation is still changing, and the company wants to take everything into account before committing to a timeline. This includes supply chain issues, production costs, and overall market conditions.

“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.”

Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, via Game File

The memory shortage isn’t just an Xbox problem. It has been affecting the entire tech industry. GPUs, RAM kits, handheld devices, and even other upcoming consoles have all been impacted. Companies like Valve and Sony are also dealing with similar challenges, which shows how widespread the issue has become.

For Project Helix, this could mean a shift in how Xbox positions the console. Early expectations already suggest that it could be priced much higher than previous generations, possibly closer to high-end gaming PCs. Some estimates even place it in the $900 to $1,500 range, though nothing is confirmed yet.

Despite these challenges, Xbox says its main focus is still on building a strong console experience. Sharma emphasized that the goal is to deliver a system that can handle modern games, including PC titles, while offering a high-quality experience for players. That said, development kits for Project Helix are expected to reach developers in 2027.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.