Xbox’s next-gen console could arrive early than anticipated.
Microsoft’s next Xbox console could arrive sooner than anyone expected in 2026, according to reports.
Microsoft was embroiled in an intense legal fight over Xbox’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard earlier this year; ultimately it proved successful and increased Xbox Game Pass users’ chances of accessing exclusives and additional titles from that developer.
Legal documents regarding Xbox’s plans for its future became widely publicised during their battle, including information regarding future consoles. While Xbox Series X/S appears likely to remain for now, with an upgrade possibly planned for 2028 (though Phil Spencer denied this claim). Also in development is an unexpected look-a-like of Series X with similar specs to PS5 DualSense controller.
Now sources claim Xbox is abandoning plans to update current consoles in favor of quickly introducing its next-gen system.
Jeff Grub explained on his podcast about these leaks: “Documents from the FTC trial revealed Microsoft was planning a disc-less Xbox, effectively an Xbox Series X in cylindrical form, but according to this leaker this project has now been cancelled; in its place they’ve decided to accelerate development on Xbox Next faster.”
Reports state this as an attempt by Microsoft to outpace Sony and release its console before 2028 when Sony plans on unveiling the PS6 as successor of PS5 Pro.
At this stage, any claims regarding Xbox rumours should be taken with a grain of salt unless something official has been announced by Microsoft; but given how PS5 has far surpassed Xbox Series X/S sales to date, it might make sense for Microsoft to try everything they can in order to stay ahead.
Though official confirmation on Microsoft’s plans may take longer, more leaks should arrive over the course of 2017.
