Expect the next Xbox in late 2026 with COD as a launch title

Microsoft’s reportedly targeting a late 2026 launch for their next Xbox with Infinity Ward working on a launch title

We already know what Microsoft are working on their next-generation Xbox. The company has already promised “the largest technical leap ever seen in a hardware generation”, and that means a new console is on the horizon. Now, it has been reported that the next Xbox will be arriving in late 2026, with Infinity Ward’s next Call of Duty game as a launch title.

These reports come from various trusted Call of Duty leakers, @TheGhostOfHope, and @CharlieINTEL. This backs up earlier rumours about Microsoft’s next Xbox console. These rumours also talked about a 2026 launch.

Earlier rumours about Microsoft’s next-generation console state that the system will use an AMD Zen 5 CPU and an AMD RDNA 5 GPU. These changes should deliver a huge performance boost over Microsoft’s current-generation Zen 2/RDNA 2 based Xbox Series consoles. Add on faster GDDR7 memory, and Microsoft should be able to deliver a huge boost in overall system performance. This is especially true if the company adds AI processing into the mix.

Hearing from trusted sources that the next Xbox is planned to be released in late 2026.

Very likely that COD2026 is a day one release for it. pic.twitter.com/qJXmQSzH9F

— Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) May 17, 2024

Can Microsoft find success by launching a next-gen console ahead of Sony?

With this new system, Microsoft aims to surpass Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro console and launch a new console generation before their competitor. Ideally, Microsoft wants to release their next system a year or two ahead of PlayStation 6. With a new Call of Duty as a launch title, Xbox will become the best place to play Call of Duty.

Microsoft wants to repeat the success of Xbox 360 by launching their system ahead of their primary competitor. If Microsoft can support this hardware launch with a strong software lineup, they might be able to reverse their fortunes within the console space. Even so, Microsoft has an uphill battle if they want to reach the top of the console market.

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