The RedGamingTech channel has shared new rumors that suggest Microsoft is planning to release at least one more Xbox despite having “lost the console wars,” and not only that, it’ll be out in 2026, a few years earlier than some might have anticipated.
Here’s a description that Paul (RGT’s CrimsonRayne) shared for his vid, which includes the claim that the next-gen Xbox will feature a Zen 5 CPU, and not a Zen 6 processor as previously rumored, being that architecture won’t be ready in time:
We have some details on the next gen Xbox’s hardware specs, planned release window and WHY Microsoft are planning on having the launch day when they are in order to better compete with Sony and the PS5 Pro. Join us as we examine RDNA 5 and Zen 5’s place in the next gen Xbox console specifications, and how Microsoft plan to stay competitive against the Playstation 5 Pro and of course the PS6.
“We also have some small updtes on the rumoured Xbox Series REFRESH, which leaked on some recent slides,” the host added. “But will Microsoft actually refresh the Series S and Series X? Or have their roadmap plans changed following Sony’s plans for the PS5 Pro? Or perhaps Microsoft are saving gas in the tank to make the next gen Xbox console TRULY change the game.”
According to documents that were leaked in September, Microsoft was planning to launch a next-gen Xbox in 2028 that would be powered by a Zen 6 CPU and RDNA 5 GPU, but it looks like those plans might have changed due the slip-up.
“Develop a next-generation hybrid game platform capable of leveraging the combined power of the client and cloud to deliver deeper immersion and entirely new classes of game experiences,” reads a description that Microsoft shared for the device.
Discussion (5 replies)
Join Discussion →2026 is time for RDNA 5.
So zen5c & RDNA 5 ??
2026 seems a bit too early for a new generation when the current one started in 2020 (not counting the Switch's launch in 2017, as Nintendo launched their 9th-gen system in the middle of 8th-gen). Not that this has stopped Microsoft before. The original Xbox was only on the market for 4 years, which is less time than even the standard 5 years for old generations. 7th-gen lasted from 2005 to 2013. 8th-gen lasted from 2013 (well 2012 if you count the Wii U which is more like a 7th-gen system) to 2020. It may very soon be time for the updated/refreshed 9th-gen consoles (PS4 Pro and XB1X came about 3-4 years after the base consoles launched). But 10th-gen starting in 2026? I dunno about that. Maybe 2028.
Nah.
We had that anomoly with the 360/PS3 generation where that lasted far too long. Generations before that were ~5 years, sometimes quicker.
If they would embrace backwards compatibility I'd say the faster the better.
As I mentioned in my post.
7th-gen did last longer than any other gen, but 8th-gen lasted almost as long. I figured that's how things were gonna be going forward.
Microsoft has 2 incentives to advance the xbox next to 2026
1. There is no pro version this time. The series X is the pro version
2. A new box would enable devs to ditch requirement to support the series S