PS6 and Xbox Helix Could Adopt Hardware Leasing

Sony and Microsoft could turn to hardware leasing for the PlayStation 6 (PS6) and next-generation Xbox Project Helix. The option could become relevant as concerns grow over the price of future consoles.

Hardware leaker @Kepler_L2 noted on X that they “definitely expect Sony/MS to do the same.” The comment referred to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman that Apple plans to launch a device leasing program in partnership with Klarna. The reported program would let customers lease MacBooks, iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, and iPads for 24 to 36 months against a monthly fee. Users could reportedly pay off devices early, keep them after the term, return them, or upgrade.

Neither Sony nor Microsoft has confirmed these plans for its next-generation hardware.

Xbox Helix Price Could Make Monthly Payments More Relevant

Microsoft is already exploring alternative payment options for Xbox Series X|S consoles. A similar approach could extend to Project Helix, which has been linked to a 2027 launch.

A prominent tech reviewer and hardware leaker, Moore's Law Is Dead, recently suggested Helix could cost around $1K USD. The estimate is based on claims about its AMD Magnus APU. It reportedly uses a mid-range desktop GPU die linked to planned RDNA 5 hardware and an RX 9070 XT successor targeting around $550.

The argument is that AMD's desktop GPU margins could make the Magnus APU cheaper for Microsoft. Xbox could then sell Helix at cost or with a small profit.

Helix could also compete with a reportedly cheaper PS6 by offering more powerful hardware. Microsoft's rumored Positron program could bring physical games forward. Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, is also reportedly pushing for Day 1 exclusives for the console. The YouTuber argues that this combination could put pressure on Sony.

PS6 and Xbox Leasing Would Raise Ownership Questions

Sony reportedly wants to make the PS6 as affordable as possible. Its console business depends on reaching a large hardware install base. A leasing option could reduce the upfront cost for consumers if next-generation prices rise.

However, leasing comes with an ownership trade-off. Customers generally do not own leased hardware unless they later purchase it. Access can also remain subject to the provider's contractual terms.

Leasing could therefore give players another way to access the PS6 or Xbox Helix. However, affordable outright pricing would remain important for consumers who want permanent ownership of their console.