Xbox next-gen console releasing sooner than we expected to get jump on PS6, says insider

I’ll admit, I didn’t think we’d be hearing about any other next-gen consoles this soon, the Nintendo Switch’s imminent successor aside.

You see, we’re still a couple of years away from the end of the current generation’s life cycle.

Both Microsoft and Sony tend to space their consoles six to seven years apart, with both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S landing in 2020.

That places their successors as arriving in 2026 at the very earliest, although many of us in the industry have been saying that 2027 is the more likely year.

And yet new whispers have emerged to suggest that Microsoft may be gearing up to release its next console as early as next year.

This tidbit comes from insider TheGhostOfHope who took to social media site Twitter to claim the following, “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.”

Before I unpack exactly what TheGhostOfHope is suggesting, I want to point out that the leaker recommends that this information be taken with “a huge grain of salt”, something I back.

Xbox fans have plenty to look forward to this year, including the upcoming Avowed.

A 2026 launch date is certainly plausible, if a tad earlier than I expected.

As I said, six year console life cycles aren’t unheard of, but the advances in technology between console generations are becoming subtler which is why we perhaps expected Microsoft to bide a tad more time.

As for the name Xbox Prime, well, there’s little to say on that front other than it sounds plausible. Whether you like it or not is a different thing entirely.

TheGhostofHope went on to add that “Xbox[‘s] next console being in 2026 is pretty much an open secret within the industry”.

I find this to be an odd claim considering this individual just urged followers to take his information with a huge grain of salt.

He added, “Name sounds corny but it fits if there’s a big push for day one games on Game Pass right away and they get [the] jump on PS6. Big risk but huge rewards if it pays off.”

“I asked Jez for corroboration on this a few weeks ago and he didn’t have the sources to corroborate it or debunk it,” TheGhostOfHope concluded.

Is there a benefit to Microsoft ‘getting the jump’ on Sony when it comes to the next console generation? I’m dubious.

Those who are awaiting the PlayStation 6 will likely have no issue in waiting an extra year to do so.

Certainly, the so-called Xbox Prime could tempt a few Sony loyalists over who are seeking a next-gen quick fix but I can’t see this changing the landscape of gaming, simply launching a few months ahead.

There will always be those who want an Xbox, those who want a PlayStation, and those who want both.

I guess the main takeaway here is that we should all start saving those pennies in case these consoles do arrive sooner than we’re expecting.