Next Xbox Console Might Launch in 2026, According to New Rumor

To be fair, this is not the first time we have heard of a potential late 2026 launch for the console. YouTuber RedGamingTech first reported the rumor in December 2023, adding that Microsoft could pick an AMD Ryzen Zen 5 CPU as the Zen 6 wouldn't be released in time. That report also suggested Microsoft would ditch the double SKU strategy used this generation with the Series S and X, going for a single SKU instead.

The goal would be to try replicating Microsoft's most successful Xbox generation so far, the Xbox 360, which launched a full year before Sony's PlayStation 3 and reaped the benefits of this strategy. As of 2014, the Xbox 360 sold 84 million units, whereas the original console only sold 24 million units, and the Xbox One stopped at around 58 million units. The Series S and X duo is currently at just over 27 million units.

Getting to the market ahead of its main competitor in the console market is a risky tactic, but it's also one of the few available to Microsoft as it is currently lagging far behind in console sales. Interestingly, Xbox president Sarah Bond recently said Microsoft is focused on delivering the largest technical leap ever with the next-generation console.

To do that, Microsoft seems to be ditching the mid-generation refresh (unlike Sony, which is expected to launch the PS5 Pro later this year with an announcement possibly due in the next few weeks) to focus everything on a powerful next-generation console to launch in late 2026. With Sony unlikely to be able to follow with its PlayStation 6 before 2027 or even 2028, Microsoft would then be able to cut the pricing to maintain competitiveness. A mid-generation refresh for the next Xbox would also be likely at some point to address the fact that the PS6 will inevitably be more powerful if it launches a year or two later.

NPU and AI will likely play pivotal roles in how Sarah Bond keeps her promise, though it's too early to discuss the specifics. Even if the late 2026 release window turns out to be correct, there's still two years and a half and a lot can change until then.

Should Microsoft launch the next Xbox as early as 2026?

• Yes, it's the best strategy to counter PlayStation's dominance 53%, 295 votes

  295 votes 53%

  295 votes - 53% of all votes

• Won't make a difference either way 32%, 178 votes

  178 votes 32%

  178 votes - 32% of all votes

• No, it will put the Xbox at a significant power disadvantage 14%, 80 votes

  80 votes 14%

  80 votes - 14% of all votes

Total Votes: 553

May 18, 2024 - May 26, 2024

Voting is closed