Rumor: new Xbox coming 2026

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/xbox-series-x-pro-release-date-leak/

According to a new rumor, the next Xbox console is releasing in 2026. The rumor comes the way of Brad Sams, the original Xbox insider before the business of information was flooded with industry insiders and leakers. Typically, he's a pretty reliable source. Unfortunately, he does not disclose a specific release date, but typically Xbox releases hardware in the fall and holiday season. Further, much like every source on this right now, Sams is not completely confident on whether or not this is a brand new, next-gen Xbox console or just a more powerful version of the Xbox Series X.

According to a plethora of rumors, Sony is working on a PS5 Pro, and it may arrive as early as next year, though a 2025 release is certainly on the table. Whatever the case, this would be two years or a year before this mystery Xbox console. So, if this is just a more powerful Xbox Series X, it is odd it is coming so late. If it takes until 2026 for Microsoft to release a more powerful Xbox Series X, it dropped the ball. In this respect, it makes more sense for this to be the next-gen Xbox, however, there are reasons why this doesn't make sense either.

According to official Microsoft documents that leaked this year, the next proper Xbox console is coming out in 2028, so either this date has been moved up dramatically since the creation of that document or this mystery machine is a more powerful version of the Xbox Series X.

First PS5 Pro, now a new Xbox?? But I thought Xbox is doing the slim. What do you think, SW? Could we see a new Xbox this early?? Or could it be the Pro? Seems it could go either way.

I'd be all for it, move forward on the hardware!

Generations mean little at this point. Gameplay hasn't advanced since the Xbox 360 generation so each new console is more or less a graphics and performance update. The pro models seem as good as any to jump in on.

No shot. As we all know, and have fully accepted, they're exiting the gaming industry by 2027, so there's no way they're releasing a system one year prior to exiting.

Scalpers Approve

Not happening until 2028. That is when you will see the next gen Xbox.

Comicbook.com?

I’d be fine with this.

Lems think that MS will have 3 different systems for devs to optimize for😂Laughable.

I'm fine with a new console generation not taking 7-8 years, maybe consoles will hold back PC a little less.

We should have a new console every 4-5years imo, would definitely improve game optimization.

I'm tired of consoles holding back PC development because they insist on using outdated parts and sticking with them for almost a decade

Would be interested in a handheld Series S ... home consoles would be pointless if devs would just release quality PC versions.

@SolidGame_basic: sounds interesting, though not sure I'll grab a console next gen.

Perhaps trying to be first out the gate again like the 360?

@judaspete: "Perhaps trying to be first out the gate again like the 360?"

That move did work for them but do you think Sony would be prepared this time?

I thought COVID might have pushed this generation to another longer generation but getting first out might be a wise move on ms part. Sony will always have plans to combat it.

I would rather have a proper new console than Pro models again. Let's get true upgrades, not half steps.

What a joke this gen is. As soon as they stop supporting last gen consoles, they're now talking about next gen consoles.

3rd parties still making games that look and platform like last gen games... What's the point. Show us what these consoles are about, we paid enough for them.

@iambatman7986: I agree. I miss when stepping into the next gen meant you were getting undeniable upgrades, and not just incremental improvements. Unfortunately, I think those days are dead. It seems like we reached the land of diminishing returns close to a decade ago (I blame the Mayans; 2012). And I'm not sure we can escape it with the current COVID ravaged supply-chain, or without out charging $1000+ per console.

So to hear people clamoring for more of this is sad... but par for the course.

You have an S, calm down.

@PSP107: I think Sony would be reluctant to give MS much of a head start, but their dominance might be strong enough to wait a year. Profiles and games transferring over so seamlessly now, folks are less inclined to switch brands than they use to be. Phil was right when he said Gen 8 was a bad one to screw up.

I could see Microsoft going next gen early to cut their obligations to the Series S. If that happens it would be funny seeing Xbox fans complaining about the base PS5 holding back gaming.

Ok but that one will be their last console. I trust our resident experts

Indeed. If everyone listened like you do, fanboyism would be eradicated. Please make babbies, we need more of your kind.

Its crazy 3 years in and we still haven't got many games utilizing the power of the systems. Talking about new systems is mad.

I don't believe rumors.

I wonder if the decision to release a considerably weaker system this generation has contributed to ms possibly going early.

Kind of like PS4 to be honest, (although this gen's case is indeed much worse, you had games like Watch dogs 2, and DS3 released 3 years later that were definitely a step up from the PS3).

I feel this gen just started.

What power?


Like I was saying back in 2019-2020, these new consoles launched at the most awkward time tech-wise. Slow Zen 2 CPUs when Zen 3 launched the same month the consoles came out. RDNA 2 came out and underdelivered. Not enough RAM/VRAM to meet the demand of higher resolutions. Memory bandwidth that left a lot to be desired. Chip prices and availability were atrocious in 2020. Now we have Zen 5 and RDNA 4 right around the corner. AMDs tech has moved so much in just 3 years that these consoles look weak and outdated. The only part of these latest consoles have delivered on is the SSDs. But outside of load times, these boxes aren't doing anything the last boxes were doing.

You want some baby batter?

hmm I wonder if @hardwenzen agrees?

Couldn't agree more, actually.