One of the biggest reasons why the Xbox 360 was more successful than PlayStation 3 in the first few years was because Microsoft was ahead of the curve - literally. The Xbox 360 came out a year earlier and PlayStation 3 and at a much higher price point. Two decades later, Microsoft is looking to do the same thing.
Apparently, Microsoft plans to release the next Xbox console in 2026. This speculation arises amidst the rapid evolution of gaming technology and consumer expectations, pushing console manufacturers to innovate continually.
The Xbox Series X and Series S, released in November 2020, marked a significant step in gaming console technology. In particular, the former is starting to edge out the PlayStation 5 in certain games such as Alan Wake 2. Unfortunately, the industry's nature demands constant advancement. The prospect of a new Xbox release in 2026 aligns with the typical console lifecycle and the ongoing race for technological superiority in the console market.
Reliable industry insiders, including Jeff Grubb, have hinted at the potential release of a new Xbox console. Grubb, one of the more reliable and accurate sources, discussed the possibility of a 2026 release for the next Xbox console on Game Mess, his YouTube show. He referenced a leaker who previously provided accurate specifications for the rumored PS5 Pro, suggesting that Microsoft might be planning to launch a new console around the same time. While Grubb couldn't confirm if this would be an entirely new generation console or an updated version of the Xbox Series X/S, he speculated that the new release might be a reaction to the leaks about the PlayStation 5 Pro and a strategy to stay competitive in the console market.