Rumors Swirl Around Next-Gen Xbox Console Release in 2026

REDMOND, Wash. — Speculation about Microsoft‘s next-generation Xbox console continues to intensify, with industry insiders hinting at a release as early as 2026. According to Jez Corden, a well-known Microsoft insider and host of The Xbox Two Podcast, the upcoming console may closely resemble a PC embedded within a TV-friendly design.

Details surrounding the next Xbox have been sparse, especially since Microsoft executives first hinted at the new hardware in early 2024. Observers began discussing the potential of a unified platform that would operate similarly to PCs, making game development more streamlined for developers.

Corden remarked, “The idea that developers have already gotten the next-gen Xbox’s ‘devkit’ is just not accurate… the whole idea is that it’s gonna be a PC in essence but with a TV-friendly shell.” This shift could simplify game optimization, as developers will be able to create titles while targeting fixed specifications similar to those of PCs.

Adding further context, the current Xbox Series X and Series S already utilize advanced technologies, featuring Zen 2 CPUs and RDNA 2 GPUs. However, the upcoming console intends to push these ideas even further by adopting an operating system resembling standard Windows, allowing developers to bypass the nuanced intricacies typically associated with console hardware.

The transition to a more PC-like architecture may also lead Microsoft to forgo developing traditional development kits for this generation. Recent rumors indicating the existence of a next-gen Xbox devkit are described by Corden as “not accurate” due to this anticipated hardware evolution.

While many industry analysts view the shift to a PC-inspired console as a bold move, it comes amid increased competition. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed in late 2024 that the company is exploring a handheld gaming device, currently in prototype stage.

Despite aspirations to expand their gaming portfolio through initiatives like Game Pass, Xbox faces an uphill battle against its competitors. As of late 2024, the Sony PlayStation 5 outsold the Series X/S three-to-one, leaving analysts questioning whether Microsoft’s evolving strategy will successfully attract new users or merely maintain a niche audience.

Corden forecasts that if a new console arrives, it will likely be unveiled in 2027, seven years after the Series X/S launch. He further speculated that the anticipated release of “Call of Duty 2026” could coincide with the new Xbox offering, underlining Microsoft’s commitment to modern gaming experiences.

“Maybe the Call of Duty stuff is accurate,” Corden stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specifications provided to developers, which will allow them to optimize their games effectively.

As industry insiders continue to reveal more about the console’s direction, the excitement surrounding Microsoft’s next-generation gaming ambitions continues to grow, with many eagerly awaiting official confirmations.