Microsoft Reportedly Planning to Launch a New Xbox in 2026

The next Xbox console could debut in 2026, with Call of Duty 2026 serving as its key launch title, designed exclusively for the new platform. According to a well-known insider, TheGhostOfHope, Microsoft is accelerating its next hardware generation in an effort to gain an edge over its competitors.

Leaked details suggest that Call of Duty 2026, tentatively titled Modern Warfare IV, is being developed on a fundamentally upgraded engine. The developers promise not only to address graphical concerns raised with MWII but also to bring back a classic interface reminiscent of the franchise’s earlier entries — something longtime fans have been longing for after experimental UI changes in Black Ops 6.

Additionally, the future of the next Warzone installment now hangs in the balance. Analysts see this as a sign that Activision is shifting its focus from quantity to quality. TheGhostOfHope — who has previously provided accurate information on Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops 6 — claims that Microsoft is planning to launch the new Xbox by late 2026, a full two years ahead of earlier projections. Despite skepticism from some in the gaming community, mounting evidence supports this theory: as early as 2025, reports emerged about the finalization of the console’s design and production cost estimates.

Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, has repeatedly emphasized that Microsoft has no plans to release mid-generation upgrades like Sony’s PS5 Pro. Instead, the company is focused on delivering a full-fledged technological leap. With stagnating sales of the current generation, an early release of a next-gen console bundled with an exclusive Call of Duty title seems like a logical move to reclaim market leadership.

However, analysts warn that launching in 2026 could be a double-edged sword. Sony, which traditionally releases PlayStation consoles later than its competitors, could unveil a more powerful PS6, potentially undercutting Microsoft’s advantage. This scenario is already being hotly debated on Reddit, where users argue that a "race to be first" demands flawless execution — any technical misstep or lack of compelling exclusives could spell disaster. While Microsoft remains silent for now, if these rumors hold true, the gaming industry could be on the verge of a major shake-up within the next two years.