January 6th 2025.
When it comes to Prime, our focus is always on Optimus. However, Microsoft's plans for their next generation of gaming have been shrouded in mystery. But according to the latest rumors, we won't have to wait too long for an unveiling.
While Microsoft has been boasting about the ability to play Xbox games without a console, they have also reassured us that they are not planning to drop out of the hardware competition anytime soon. In fact, last year they made it clear that they are invested in their next generation roadmap and are determined to deliver the biggest technological leap ever seen in a generation. And after months of teasing, Xbox boss Phil Spencer finally confirmed that they are working on a dedicated handheld device.
As for the launch date of this new hardware, there is no official announcement yet. However, a prominent Call of Duty leaker claims to have insider information that the new console, nicknamed Xbox Prime, will be released in 2026. They even mentioned that the 2026 Call of Duty game is being considered as a launch title for the console.
This same leaker had previously predicted a late 2026 release for the next Xbox console based on information from trusted sources. However, it is unclear if Xbox Prime is the final name for the console or just a temporary codename. But let's be honest, compared to some of the past Xbox names, this one is a huge improvement and even has a cool acronym.
The leaker even reached out to reliable Xbox insider Jez Corden for confirmation, but Corden did not have enough sources to confirm or deny the rumor. While there have been talks of new Xbox hardware arriving in 2026, it is uncertain if the handheld device is also part of the next generation. It would make sense for it to be a hybrid home console, considering the success of the Nintendo Switch, but that would mean a less powerful device than the current Xbox Series X.
If the handheld is indeed next gen, a 2026 launch might be too ambitious. Phil Spencer recently mentioned that a handheld device is still a few years away, hinting at a 2027 or 2028 release. However, the leaker remains confident that Microsoft will have a console ready for next year, claiming it to be an open secret within the industry. They believe this will give Microsoft a head start on the eventual PlayStation 6, which is not expected until 2028.
This strategy is similar to what happened with the original Xbox, which was quickly replaced by the Xbox 360, giving it a one-year head start on the PlayStation 3. It remains Microsoft's most successful console to this day, both in terms of sales and industry influence. With sales declining for both Xbox and PlayStation consoles since the Xbox 360 era, it is hard to imagine how Microsoft plans to turn this trend around. However, we still have no idea what their promised technological leap might be, with AI being the only obvious guess.
But Microsoft is not the only one working on a new handheld device. Sony is reportedly also in the works for their own handheld. So, any announcement from Microsoft would likely prompt Sony to do the same. Another rumor suggests that the PlayStation 6 might launch as early as late 2026. It seems that both companies are playing a game of chicken, waiting for the other to make a move before adapting their plans accordingly.
While it may feel too early to be discussing the next generation, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were released in 2020, so a new generation would be expected around 2028. However, with the ongoing pandemic and rising costs of living, it's hard to say if these are normal circumstances. But with sales already peaking during Christmas 2023, it seems that both Microsoft and Sony are driven by declining sales to prepare for the next generation.
And even if a new Call of Duty game is released alongside the new Xbox, it will also be available for PlayStation on the same day. As always, feel free to email us, leave a comment, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter. And if you want to submit a letter or feature, you can now do so easily through our Submit Stuff page.
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