Xbox's next-gen console coming way earlier than any of us expected, apparently

Microsoft’s next Xbox console will reportedly be coming in 2026, much sooner than any of us expected.

Earlier this year, Microsoft was in a heated legal battle to ensure Xbox could acquire Activision-Blizzard, which ended up being a success and bolstered the potential exclusives and additions to Xbox Game Pass the company could now have access to.

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However, during the battle, legal documents containing Xbox’s plans for the future inevitably leaked, some of which included information on future Xbox consoles. While the Xbox Series X/S is reportedly here to stay for the time being, a next-gen upgrade is supposedly due in 2028, though the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer has denied this. Also in development is a revision of the Series X, with a frankly wild design as well as a controller almost exactly the same as the PS5 DualSense.

Now sources claim Xbox will dropping plans for revisions of its current consoles, and will instead focus on getting its next-generation console out the door as soon as possible.

Jeff Grub discussed the leaks on his podcast, saying: “Documents from the FTC trial showed that Microsoft was planning a disc-less Xbox, that was basically going to be an Xbox Series X in a cylinder shape. This leaker is saying that this stuff is cancelled and said they’re going to do the Xbox Next faster than they would’ve done otherwise.”

This is reportedly an attempt to get ahead of its competitor Sony and release a console before the PS6 releases, which is supposedly scheduled for a 2028 launch following the PS5 Pro.

Granted until Xbox officially announces anything these claims are rumours and should be taken with a pinch of salt, but given how the PS5 has been the clear winner over the Xbox Series X/S so far, it’d make sense for the company to try anything to get ahead.

It’s unlikely we’ll hear official news on the next Xbox console anytime soon, whatever it may be, but more leaks are sure to follow in the next year, hopefully confirming or denying the company’s plans.