Another insider is claiming that Xbox is planning to launch its next console in 2026, with the intention of jumping on PlayStation by getting an early start on next-gen hardware.
This news comes from an X user named Ghost of Hope, who focuses on Call of Duty content.
“Take this with a grain of salt,” says Ghost of Hope. “I heard that the next Xbox console will also be released in 2026 and will be called ‘Xbox Prime’. It is still unclear whether this is a code name or an actual name. I heard Infinity Ward’s next COD is still being considered for day one.”
Interestingly, Ghost of Hope is tweeting one of its posts from before May 2024.
Take this with a huge grain of salt.
We’re told that the next Xbox console will also be released in 2026 and will be called “Xbox Prime.” It is still unclear whether this is a code name or an actual name. I’ve heard that Infinity Ward’s next COD is still being considered the first release for this. https://t.co/JKGMsKU9br
— Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) January 6, 2025
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It is difficult to determine how reliable Ghost of Hope’s sources are. However, it’s clear that he has at least some contacts within the Call of Duty universe, and that’s probably where this information comes from.
Rumors have been floating around for a while that Xbox would release a new device in 2026, but that dates back to early 2023.
Both the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X were released in 2020. In other words, 2026 will be 6 years since it was released. Typically, a console generation lasts about eight years.
If I had to guess, I’d imagine that Microsoft’s idea of releasing early would be due to how easily they’ve been defeated over the past two generations. Xbox hardware sales are sluggish, and software sales aren’t much better. Starting the next generation early would be a bold move, but it’s a bold move that Microsoft really has left to make if it wants to remain relevant as a console maker. Game Pass was in a similar situation where Microsoft took drastic measures to attract customers.
However, WindowsCentral’s Jez Corden, a generally reliable source, says Xbox Prime isn’t coming out in 2026.
“no. They’re making new hardware, but there’s nothing like xbox prime coming out in ‘26.” About X, Corden said:
no. They are making new hardware but nothing like the xbox prime coming out in ’26.
— Jez (@JezCorden) January 6, 2025
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The new hardware Corden is talking about could simply be the next-generation Xbox. That’s because both Microsoft and Sony will begin development on their next machines as soon as the previous hardware is finished.
Alternatively, it could mean the Xbox handheld that Xbox head honcho Phil Spencer has confirmed is actively working on.
It would be a bold move if Microsoft decided to launch it two years ahead of schedule, but considering how much the brand is struggling, some bold moves may be needed.
What do you think? Will Xbox be released in 2026? Or is it not a big deal?
