Next Xbox Console Could Release in 2026, Insiders Claim

Given the fact most consoles tend to shed their adolescence after roughly seven years of circulating the market, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise that insiders are already claiming that the next Xbox (Xbox Prime, from what we’ve gathered) could be nearing its global debut as early as 2026. Granted, this does come as a bit of a shocker, primarily since those irritable scalper bots only allowed avid players to physically purchase a console a couple of years or so back. And yet, it seems that some of us are more than ready to burn bridges with the Xbox Series X/S in exchange for a newer model—a console that might as well be on our doorstep before the festive period even begins.

Of course, we’re taking many of these rumors with an enormous pinch of salt, as we’re still sticking with the lion’s share of the community in thinking that the next console generation will launch no earlier than 2028. According to another source, however, not only will the tentatively titled Xbox Prime be arriving in 2026, but a brand-new installment in the Call of Duty timeline, too.

Take this with a huge grain of salt:

I’m hearing that the next Xbox console is still coming in 2026 and will be called “Xbox Prime”. Still unclear if it’s a code name or the actual name. I’ve heard Infinity Ward’s next COD is still being considered a day one release for this. https://t.co/JKGMsKU9br

— Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) January 6, 2025

Xbox Prime & Call of Duty (2026)

“I’m hearing that the next Xbox console is still coming in 2026 and will be called ‘Xbox Prime’,”  Call of Duty leaker The Ghost of Hope wrote on X. “Still unclear if it’s a code name or the actual name. I’ve heard Infinity Ward’s next Call of Duty is still being considered a day one release for this.”

“I know people don’t believe it but Xbox’s next console being in 2026 is pretty much an open secret within the industry,” The Ghost of Hope continued. “Seems early but I think it makes sense with where Xbox is headed. Name sounds corny but it fits if there’s a big push for day-one games on Game Pass right away and they get jump on PS6. Big risk but huge rewards if it pays off.”

As mentioned in the post above, you should aim to take a lot of this with a grain of salt. Indeed, a fresh-faced Xbox console landing in 2026 isn’t exactly the craziest rumor we’ve heard in recent years, but it is a bit of a stretch. Who knows? Perhaps the Xbox Series X/S is gearing up to embrace its golden years after all? Only time will tell on that one.