Microsoft hasn't committed to a potential 2027 launch window for the next generation Xbox consoles, according to an insider report dated February 8. With Microsoft still considering when the next-gen Xbox will hit store shelves, the company's decision could give the current-gen Xbox Series X/S consoles a longer lifespan than expected.
Until now, most details about the next-gen Xbox console have come from outside Microsoft. While the tech giant has confirmed that it's working with AMD to develop a new Xbox system, Microsoft has been tight-lipped about what the system is capable of. However, both Microsoft and AMD have said that the new console will use a semi-custom system on a chip (SoC) that is on track to launch sometime in 2027. In addition, the next-gen Xbox console would integrate Windows 11 in some capacity, and that the system would be backwards compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and older Xbox console games.
February 13th will be a very busy day for Xbox Game Pass subscribers
Xbox Game Pass subscribers definitely need to make sure to mark Friday, February 13th on their calendars.
Microsoft's next-gen Xbox doesn't have an exact launch window yet
Despite AMD's claim that Microsoft could launch a next-gen Xbox system in 2027, that may not be the case. According to a new report from insider Jez Corden, Microsoft has not committed to a hard launch of the next Xbox console in 2027. Corden said that Microsoft's next console depends on Windows 11 improvements and that the Windows and Xbox development teams are working to bring the new console's operating system to a polished state. So a 2027 launch of the next-gen Xbox would be an optimistic window in which Microsoft could still intervene, although some lingering factors remain in play.
It's no secret that the DRAM crisis has had a far-reaching impact on the gaming and technology industries. As the prices of RAM kits, Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and other necessary components rise to ridiculous amounts, the cost has been passed on to the consumer. In 2025, Microsoft raised the price of the Xbox Series X/S twice due to US government tariffs on various goods produced around the world. With the RAM crisis already putting some companies in a bind, rising costs could push the next-generation Xbox and PlayStation consoles out of the 2027 launch window. Since the next-gen Xbox may cost more money to sell under current market conditions, Microsoft could delay the release of its new console until conditions stabilize.
Microsoft still has plans for the current generation
However, this could also be a saving grace for gamers with the current generation console, 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 at ways to expand its Xbox Game Pass services. Along with upcoming features like an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft could merge the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier with the PC Game Pass subscription into one offering. Alternatively, Microsoft could offer more third-party services with Xbox Game Pass. While services like EA Play and Ubisoft+ are available through Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft hasn't said which other third-party subscriptions might be included in the game.
Despite the fact that the next-gen Xbox Series X/S is still several years away from launch, the Xbox Series X/S still has several games set to launch during 2026. Among the first-party Xbox Game Studios releases such as Fableand third-party hits like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirththe calendar year for Xbox continues to fill up. In addition, Microsoft will continue to expand its versions to other systems, as evidenced by the upcoming Switch 2 ports Fallout 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.
