There's been a lot of speculation over the past 12 months about exactly when Microsoft might be preparing to release the next Xbox console, and it sounds like nobody's very sure at the moment — the company itself might not have even nailed down a window yet.
We've heard before from Windows Central reporter Jez Corden that Xbox might be targeting a 2027 launch for the system, but that was prior to all the recent reports about RAM shortages due to AI demands. In December, Insider Gaming reporter Tom Henderson suggested these RAM issues could lead to next-gen consoles being delayed.
And now, in his latest report for Windows Central about the Xbox Full-Screen Experience and how it'll need to iron out some weaknesses over the next couple of years, Jez mentions that late 2027 is the earliest release window for the next Xbox console as things stand.
"The next Xbox is a full Windows PC, that much we know. What we know less is exactly how Microsoft is going to go about it. The next Xbox is still a fair bit away, dropping in late 2027 at the earliest, according to my most recent information. I received details about the next-gen Xbox around the same time I exclusively reported on Project Kennan, now known as the Xbox Ally."
"I'm not sure if Microsoft is still committed to the late 2027 timeline for the next-gen Xbox, but if it is, you have to wonder if that's enough time to get all the chips lined up."
This time last week, we actually polled the Pure Xbox community on when you thought the next Xbox console might be announced, and 24% (the majority vote) felt it would be revealed in 2026 with a release in 2027. 21% of voters suggested it was simply too early for an announcement in 2026, while 20% thought it'd be announced but not released until 2028 or later.
You can still vote in that poll down below if you haven't already:
From our perspective here at Pure Xbox, we think we might be waiting until 2028 or later at this point — all the concerns around RAM shortages, coupled with a recent suggestion that the PS6 could be delayed, indicates to us that a 2027 launch might just be a bit too ambitious. Ultimately though, nobody knows for sure right now, and that might even include Microsoft!
We'll obviously keep an eye out for more reports and rumours on the situation over the coming months, but don't expect anything official until at least November 15th — that's the date of Xbox's 25th anniversary, so you never know what might be revealed. That would be the perfect time to announce a new console, don't you think?