The next generation Xbox is said to launch in 2026 with Call of Duty as its day one title

A report has emerged suggesting that Microsoft may be planning to release its next-generation Xbox console as early as 2026.

This alleged system is reportedly called Xbox Primeand could potentially launch alongside a new installment of call of Duty from developer Infinity Ward.

This information comes courtesy of The Ghost of Hope, a prominent leaker in the call of Duty community, who shared the information on social media platform X. According to their post:

“I heard that the next Xbox console will arrive in 2026 and will be called ‘Xbox Prime’. It’s still unclear whether this is a code name or the actual name. I heard that Infinity Ward’s next Call of Duty is still considered a day one release for it.”

In previously leaked Microsoft documents, it was hinted that the release window would be 2028 for both the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. So, if this new rumor is true, plans have changed.

It would make sense for Microsoft to change things up and shake up the market to gain an advantage over Sony after falling behind the PS5 in this generation’s hardware race.

Launching a new console before its competitors is a strategy that has worked well for Xbox in the past. The early release of the Xbox 360 in 2005, a full year before the PlayStation 3, proved to be a huge success, and the 360 ​​became the best-selling Xbox console to date.

It looks like Microsoft may be aiming for a similar advantage with Xbox Prime.The ghost of hope explains why the move might make sense:

“I know people don’t believe it, but the next Xbox console will be in 2026 is pretty much an open secret in the industry. It seems early, but I think it makes sense considering the direction Xbox is headed.

“The name sounds corny, but it’s good if there’s an immediate big push for day-one games on Game Pass and they make a splash on PS6. Big risk but huge rewards if it pays off.”

While the leaker is confident about the timing, he acknowledges the uncertainty around it call of Duty 2026’s status as a launch title. They also caution readers to take the information with a grain of salt, as they have not been able to fully corroborate the details through other sources.

In addition to the alleged console, there is talk of significant improvements to the Xbox controller and backwards compatible gaming performance. These updates suggest that Microsoft may be aiming to create a seamless ecosystem in which Game Pass continues to play a vital role, offering instant access to hit titles like call of Duty.

For now, Microsoft hasn’t addressed these rumors, which isn’t surprising given the company’s usual silence on speculative news, especially new hardware. However, if the rumors are true, it could mark a pivotal moment for Xbox.