New Xbox Console Expected in 2026

A new report suggests that Microsoft plans to launch the next Xbox console in 2026. This move aims to give Xbox a fresh start after a challenging generation with the Xbox Series X|S. The next-gen console could debut alongside the 2026 installment of the Call of Duty franchise, providing a significant boost to its launch.

Call of Duty 2026: A Day One Release

According to well-known Call of Duty leaker, TheGhostOfHope, the next Xbox will arrive in late 2026. The 2026 Call of Duty game is expected to be a day-one title for the new console. This strategy could help Microsoft capture the attention of gamers right from the start.

Aiming to Avoid Console Wars

Microsoft seems to be positioning the next Xbox to avoid direct competition with Sony’s next PlayStation. By launching in 2026, they hope to sidestep the intense console wars that marked previous generations. The latest PlayStation at that time is expected to be the PlayStation 5 Pro, which would not pose an immediate threat to the new Xbox.

The current Xbox Series X|S consoles have struggled to showcase their full potential. Despite their superior hardware capabilities, they lack a robust lineup of exclusive games. Notable titles include Starfield, Hellblade 2, Avowed, Gears 6, and an upcoming Indiana Jones game. Microsoft hopes that the next-gen console will leverage these titles and new ones to succeed where the Series X|S fell short.

This report aligns with previous rumors hinting at a 2026 release for the next-gen Xbox. Although these reports remain unconfirmed, they suggest a strategic move by Microsoft to regain its footing in the console market. As the gaming community speculates about the future of Xbox, only time will tell how this new strategy will unfold.