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  • A new report claims that Microsoft plans to launch the next Xbox console in 2026.
  • Call of Duty 2026 could be the launch title for the next iteration of the Microsoft console.
  • The move could mean Microsoft wants to shy away from console wars and stop competing with PlayStation 

It is fair to say that the current generation of Xbox is one to forget for the gaming giants. The Series X|S combined couldn’t take the throne from the PlayStation 5. To, better prepare them for the next-gen, Xbox reportedly plans to launch the next Xbox in 2026. 

Why it matters? Xbox admitted that they lost the console war of this generation. It seems that they want to gear up for the next one by introducing its iteration of the new console before PlayStation does it to avoid competition. 

Xbox Series X Featured
Microsoft could be planning to launch the next-gen Xbox as soon as 2026

According to TheGhostOfHope on Twitter (X), Microsoft has planned to launch the next Xbox in 2026. In addition, Call of Duty 2026 would be the day 1 release for the next-gen console. 

If this is indeed true, Microsoft is now looking to avoid the console wars in favour of its own thing. A 2026 release would mean that the latest Sony console will be PlayStation 5 Pro, so no immediate danger of competition with the next-gen PlayStation. 

PS5 Xbox Series S|X
Launching the Xbox early could help Microsoft avoid competition with the next-gen PlayStation

This could also be a weird move in the way that Microsoft doesn’t even have a proper roster of games for the Series X|S consoles. The only notable ones are Starfield and the upcoming Hellblade 2, Avowed, Gears 6, and Indiana Jones

If somehow, Microsoft can make the console so powerful that it’s worth the upgrade, then it would make a little sense. But even then, the full potential for the Series X hasn’t been unlocked, especially considering it has more raw power than the PS5. 

While this report could be wrong, it aligns with the older rumours that also hinted at a 2026 next-gen Xbox console. Whatever it may be, it will be interesting to see how the consoles fare from here as Microsoft hinted they don’t expect any growth in console sales moving forward. 

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Abdullah Waseem
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan