Microsoft has not committed to a potential 2027 launch window for the next-generation product. xbox Console, according to a February 8 internal report. As Microsoft continues to mull over when the next-generation Xbox consoles will hit store shelves, the company's decision could result in the lifespan of the current-generation Xbox Series X/S consoles being longer than expected.
So far, most details about the next-generation Xbox consoles have come from outside of Microsoft. Although the tech giant has confirmed that it is working with AMD to develop a new Xbox system, Microsoft has kept a close eye on what the system can do. However, both Microsoft and AMD have stated that the new console will use a semi-custom system-on-chip (SoC), which is expected to launch in 2027. It was also revealed that the next-generation Xbox console will integrate Windows 11 in some capacity and that the system will be backwards compatible with games from Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and previous Xbox consoles.
February 13th will be a very busy day for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers should circle Friday, February 13th on their calendars.
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox doesn't have an exact release date yet.
Despite AMD's claims that Microsoft could release its next-generation Xbox system in 2027, that may not necessarily be the case. Microsoft hasn't committed to a strict 2027 release window for its next Xbox console, according to a new report from insider Jez Corden. Corden said that Microsoft's next console will depend on improvements to Windows 11, and that the Windows and Xbox development teams are working to bring the new console's operating system to a polished state. Therefore, the 2027 launch of the next-generation Xbox console would be an optimistic window for what Microsoft can still achieve, although some ongoing factors are still at play.
It's no secret that the DRAM crisis has had far-reaching effects on the gaming and technology industries. As the prices of RAM kits, solid state drives (SSDs), and other essential components have risen exorbitantly, the costs have been passed on to consumers. In 2025, Microsoft raised the prices of the Xbox Series X/S twice due to the US government's tariffs on various products manufactured around the world. With the RAM crisis already causing difficulties for some companies, rising costs could force the next-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles to miss their 2027 release window. Since the next-gen Xbox is likely to cost more to sell in current market conditions, Microsoft may delay releasing the new console until things stabilize.
Microsoft still has plans for the current generation.
However, this may be a saving grace for gamers using current-gen consoles, as the crisis may force Microsoft to support the Xbox Series X/S for at least a few more years. Regarding Microsoft's short-term outlook, it is exploring ways to expand the Xbox Game Pass service. Along with future features like an ad-supported tier of Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft could merge the Xbox Game Pass premium tier and PC Game Pass subscription into one offer. Alternatively, Microsoft could offer more third-party services through Xbox Game Pass. Services like EA Play and Ubisoft+ are available through Xbox Game Pass, but Microsoft hasn't specified which additional third-party subscriptions can be added.
Even though the next-gen Xbox is still a few years away from release, the Xbox Series X/S still has some games left to release throughout 2026. fableAnd third-party hits like: Final Fantasy 7 RebirthThe calendar year on your Xbox console continues to fill in. Microsoft will also continue to expand the release to other systems, as evidenced by the upcoming Switch 2 port. fallout 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circleand The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. However, only time will tell how effective Microsoft's plans are as it continues to develop its next Xbox console.
