An analyst has warned that if Sony’s next PlayStation and Microsoft’s reported Xbox Project Helix launch at $1,000, their sales over five years could be around 40% lower than those of the PS5 generation. The assessment highlights the risk that sharply higher console prices could reduce the mainstream audience for new hardware.

The forecast is conditional rather than a confirmed sales prediction, as neither company has formally announced the final products or their prices. It compares potential five-year sales with the PS5 generation and focuses on a $1,000 price point, which would represent a substantial barrier for many buyers.