Microsoft has not committed to a potential 2027 launch window for the next generation of Xbox consoles, according to an insider report on February 8. With Microsoft still figuring out 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 of the 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 in collaboration with AMD, Microsoft has kept a tight lid on what the system is capable of. However, both Microsoft and AMD have stated that the new console would use a semi-custom system on a chip (SoC) that is on track to launch sometime in 2027. Additionally, the next-generation Xbox console would integrate Windows 11 in some capacity, and that the system would be backwards compatible with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One games, and older Xbox consoles.
February 13th is going to be a super busy day for Xbox Game Pass subscribers
Xbox Game Pass subscribers definitely need to make sure they ring Friday, February 13th in their calendars.
Microsoft's next-gen Xbox doesn't yet have an exact launch window
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 hard 2027 launch window for the next Xbox console. Corden stated 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. Ergo, a 2027 launch for the next-gen Xbox console would be an optimistic window that Microsoft could still hit, although some ongoing factors are still at play.
It's no secret that the DRAM crisis has had a widespread impact on the gaming and technology industries. With the prices of RAM kits, solid-state drives (SSDs) and other essential components increasing to ridiculous amounts, the costs have been passed on to consumers. In 2025, Microsoft raised the price of the Xbox Series X/S twice due to US government tariffs on various goods manufactured worldwide. With the RAM crisis already putting some companies in lockstep, the rising costs could move the next generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles out of a 2027 launch window. With the next-gen Xbox potentially costing more money to sell under current market conditions, Microsoft could wait to release 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 a current-gen 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 for ways to expand Xbox Game Pass services. Along with upcoming features, such as an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft may bundle the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier with the PC Game Pass subscription into one offering. Alternatively, Microsoft may 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 specified what additional third-party subscriptions might be added.
Although the next-gen Xbox is still years away from launch, the Xbox Series X/S still has some games ready for launch in 2026. Between first-party releases by Xbox Game Studios that Fableand third-party hits such as 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 of the Fallout 4, Indiana Jones and the Great Circleand The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. But time will tell how effective Microsoft's plans will be as they continue development of the next Xbox console.
