Xbox's Next-Gen Plans: Is an Xbox Prime Coming in 2026?
Xbox's Next-Gen Plans: Is an Xbox Prime Coming in 2026?
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According to a trusted Xbox insider, there are no plans for a new Xbox console in 2026. Xbox, alongside PlayStation and Nintendo, remains one of the top three gaming giants, carving out a significant share of the industry. For many years, Xbox and PlayStation were viewed as nearly identical machines, the main distinction being their exclusive games. However, today, the two are diverging significantly, despite having somewhat comparable hardware, leading to a more unpredictable gaming landscape after years of structured console generations.
Traditionally, the cycle followed a predictable pattern: a new console would be released, supported for several years, followed by a mid-generation refresh that typically brought a smaller model with some quality-of-life improvements, and then another full generation would follow a few years later. However, this generation has seen some changes. Many players still use consoles like the PS4, PlayStation released a PS5 Pro, but Xbox hasn't even hinted at a mid-generation refresh. Instead, Xbox seems to be focused on expanding its reach in other areas, such as cloud gaming, which allows players to access Xbox games without a console on devices like tablets and TVs.
A rumor recently surfaced suggesting that Xbox is preparing for a new next-gen console in 2026, named Xbox Prime. The original leak came from TheGhostofHope, a well-known Call of Duty leaker who has a history of accurately revealing details about the franchise. This information likely came from someone connected to Call of Duty's developers, now owned by Microsoft, as the company may want its flagship franchise to heavily promote upcoming hardware, keeping developers in the loop.
However, Xbox insider Jez Corden, who is highly connected within the Xbox community, has dismissed the rumors, stating that there is no Xbox Prime coming in 2026. While both sources are generally trustworthy, Corden’s extensive connections with Xbox make his statement particularly notable. Given that these reports remain unconfirmed, it’s important to approach them with skepticism. Xbox has not yet signaled a move toward launching the next generation of consoles, and it would likely be premature to do so.
Historically, console generations have lasted about eight years, with the Xbox 360/PS3 and Xbox One/PS4 generations being notable examples. As consoles become more powerful and expensive, users tend to hold onto them longer, and there’s a growing expectation that they should remain relevant for an extended period. It would therefore be surprising if Microsoft were to move on from the Xbox Series X|S after just six years.
That said, Xbox appears to be exploring new ways to think about console generations. Instead of discarding older hardware, it’s possible that there could be more powerful variants, much like how phones or computers evolve. Games could continue to be released on the Xbox Series X|S, while those seeking additional power might opt for something like the rumored Xbox Prime. The PlayStation 4, for example, is still receiving game releases more than 11 years after its debut, showing that developers are willing to support older hardware as long as there is a player base.
Ultimately, it may be a while before we hear anything about a new Xbox console. Even if the Xbox Prime or something similar is planned for 2026, official news is likely to be revealed no sooner than the spring of next year. If nothing is announced, we might have to wait another few years before we hear anything about the next Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
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