Microsoft hasn't committed to a possible 2027 launch window for the next generation Xbox According to a report inside Console, February 8. While Microsoft is still considering when the next-gen Xbox console will hit store shelves, the company's decision could give the current-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles a longer lifespan than expected.
So far, most details about the next-gen Xbox console have come from outside Microsoft. Although the tech giant has confirmed that it is developing a new Xbox system with the help of AMD, Microsoft has kept a tight lid on what the system is capable of. However, both Microsoft and AMD have said that the new console will use a semi-custom system on chip (SoC) that is on track to launch sometime in 2027. Also, the next-gen Xbox console will integrate Windows 11 in some capacity, and the system will be backward compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and older Xbox One, and Xbox One, games consoles.
February 13 is going to be a super busy day for Xbox Game Pass subscribers
Xbox Game Pass subscribers definitely need to make sure they circle Friday, February 13 on their calendars.
Microsoft's next-gen Xbox doesn't have an exact launch window yet
Despite AMD's claims that Microsoft could launch the next-gen Xbox system in 2027, that may not necessarily be the case. According to a new report from insider Jez Corden, Microsoft hasn't committed to a strict 2027 launch window for the next Xbox console. Corden said that Microsoft's next console depends on improvements to Windows 11, and that the Windows and Xbox development teams were working to get the new console's operating system in a polished state. Argo, a 2027 launch for the next-gen Xbox console would be an optimistic window that Microsoft could still hit, although some ongoing factors are at play.
It's no secret that the DRAM crisis has had a massive impact on the gaming and tech industries. As the price of RAM kits, solid-state drives (SSDs) and other essential components have risen to ridiculous amounts, the costs have been passed on to consumers. In 2025, Microsoft doubled the price of the Xbox Series X/S because the US government imposed taxes on various goods produced around the world. While the RAM crisis has already put some companies in a bind, rising costs could push the next generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles out of the 2027 launch window. With the next-gen Xbox potentially costing too much money to sell under current market conditions, Microsoft may hold off on releasing its new console until the situation stabilizes.
Microsoft has plans for the current generation
However, this could also be a saving grace for gamers with current-gen consoles, as the crisis could force Microsoft to support the Xbox Series X/S for at least a few more years. As for Microsoft's short-term outlook, the company is looking for ways to expand Xbox Game Pass services. Along with upcoming features, such as an ad-supported tier for Xbox cloud gaming, Microsoft may merge the Xbox Game Pass premium tier with a PC Game Pass subscription into one offering. Alternatively, Microsoft may offer additional third-party services with Xbox Game Pass. Although services like EA Play and Ubisoft+ are available through Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft hasn't said which additional third-party subscriptions might be brought into the fold.
Although the next-gen Xbox is still years away from launch, the Xbox Series X/S still has some games lined up to launch in 2026. Like first-party Xbox game studios releases fableAnd third-party hits like Final fantasy 7 rebirthThe calendar year for Xbox consoles continues to fill up. Additionally, Microsoft will continue to expand its releases to other systems, as evidenced by the upcoming Switch 2 ports. Result 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circleand The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. However, time will tell how effective Microsoft's plans will be as it continues to develop the next Xbox console.
