The next Xbox, according to Fortune’s report citing Microsoft insiders, is set to hit the shelves in 2028 with a price tag ranging from a hefty $1,200 to a jaw-dropping $1,800. First off, who in their right mind would shell out $1,800 for a gaming console? That’s enough to buy a small island or at least a really fancy gaming setup. My initial reaction: the next Xbox is dead on arrival, DOA!

But wait, let’s not be too hasty. Former Microsoft exec Mike Ybarra agrees, saying, “I wouldn’t release it at all.” Yet, didn’t Microsoft already whisper this truth to us? Phil Spencer, the current Xbox boss, declared, “We’re no fools!” implying that they know people won’t pay that much. So, are we looking at a console that’s both a marvel and a money pit?

Consider this: the Xbox Series X launched in 2020 at $499, and the Series S followed at $299. Did anyone predict back then that the next Xbox would be twice as expensive? Maybe Microsoft is banking on the fact that by 2028, the average gamer will have accumulated enough savings to afford a small car or even a luxury gaming chair. But is it a fair trade-off for the promised next-gen graphics and performance?

Let’s not forget the power of nostalgia and brand loyalty. If Xbox fans are willing to pay premium prices for the Xbox One X (launched at $499 with enhanced specs), why not stretch that loyalty to $1,800 for the ultimate next-gen experience? Yet, with the rise of cloud gaming and subscription services, could the $1,800 price tag be a gamble that Microsoft can’t afford? After all, not everyone has the budget for a console that could double as a high-end workstation. So, while the next Xbox might be a tech marvel, will its price make it a gaming luxury or a necessary indulgence?