Written by Let’s be honest, gamers: buying a new gaming console isn’t nearly as simple as it used to be. Thanks to rising manufacturing costs, tariffs, and ongoing memory shortages, console prices have skyrocketed over the past few months.
Unfortunately for all of us, the next generation of gaming hardware isn’t expected to reverse that trend. That’s why it’s worth knowing what you might pay before the next wave of consoles arrives. To help you prepare, we’ve ranked every major upcoming console by its estimated price, giving you a better idea of what your wallet can expect when the gaming industry takes its next big leap.
4. PS6 – $1,000
PS6 won’t be cheap | Credits: Sony
It’s hard to believe, but it has been six years since the PS5 launched, and Sony is reportedly planning the next generation with the PS6. Rumors suggest that the console could feature an AMD Origin APU, a 50–52 CU RDNA 5 iGPU, around 40 TFLOPS of compute performance, GDDR7 memory, and faster overall performance than its predecessor.
Sony hasn’t announced a release date for the console, but it’s expected to arrive in late 2027. However, if you’re planning to upgrade, you may want to start saving now. Current estimates suggest that the console could cost around $1,000. Much of that projected price is tied to rising memory and storage costs. Reputable insider Kepler has claimed that it currently costs Sony roughly $960 to manufacture a PS6. By the time the console debuts, those costs could climb even higher, which would likely push the retail price up as well.
3. Acer Predator Atlas 8 – $1,000
Acer Predator Atlas 8 | Credits: Acer
If you’re looking for a new handheld gaming console, the upcoming Acer Predator Atlas 8 is one to watch. The device features an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Intel Arc B390 graphics, up to 24GB of RAM, and an 80Wh battery. With the handheld market dominated by devices like the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox ROG Ally, and Steam Deck, Acer’s next entry looks ready to compete by offering enough power to run top games on the go.
Acer has confirmed that the Predator Atlas 8 will be released in October 2026. However, the company has not yet revealed its price. Industry experts estimate that the handheld could retail for more than $1,000 because of current hardware shortages. We’ll likely learn the final price closer to launch.
2. Xbox Project Helix – $1,200
Project Helix | Credits: Xbox
Project Helix is the rumored codename for Xbox’s next-generation console, and unlike its competitors, Microsoft has been more open about what it has planned. The console’s biggest selling point is its ability to run both PC games and Xbox titles on a single system. Rumors suggest that it could feature AMD’s RDNA 5 graphics architecture, a custom AMD Zen processor, up to 48GB of GDDR7 memory, full backward compatibility, and a major leap in performance.
Microsoft still hasn’t announced a release window, but Xbox CEO Aasha Sharma has confirmed that development kits will begin shipping to developers in 2027. That makes late 2027 or 2028 the most likely launch window. As for pricing, the console is estimated to retail for as much as $1,200. Sharma has said that rising hardware prices “will impact” the cost of the next-generation Xbox console, according to Game File. At the same time, she has emphasized that continued innovation is essential to help keep prices lower.
1. Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 – $2,000
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 | Credits: Asus
The last console worth keeping an eye on is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20. This special edition of the Xbox Ally X is being released to celebrate ROG’s 20th anniversary. Its standout feature is a redesigned look, highlighted by a 7.4-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED panel and upgraded joysticks for improved precision. Under the hood, it carries the same specs as the standard model.
Once again, there’s no official release date, but it’s expected to arrive in late 2026. The most interesting detail, however, is the price. The handheld is expected to cost as much as $2,000, largely because ASUS is not selling it as a standalone device. Instead, it will be bundled with the ROG XREAL 1 Edition 20 Gaming AR Glasses, which alone retail for $849. Given that the standard ROG Xbox Ally X costs $1,000, that bundle price starts to make more sense.
ConsoleExpected PricePS6$1,000Acer Predator Atlas 8 $1,000Xbox Project Helix $1,200Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20$2,000
With that said, which gaming console are you the most excited for? Let us know in the comments below.
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