The only Prime we care about is Optimus (Microsoft)Microsofts next gen plans remain elusive, but the latest rumours suggest theyll be unveiled sooner rather than later.While Microsoft is keen to advertise how you can play Xbox games without an Xbox console, its also promised its not dropping out of the hardware race any time soon.Last year, the company said it was invested in the next generation roadmap, repeatedly boasting it would deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation. And after months of blatant teasing, Xbox boss Phil Spencer finally admitted a dedicated handheld device was being prototyped.Theres currently no telling when any of this new hardware is expected to launch, but while Microsoft last year seemed to imply somewhere around 2028 a prominent Call Of Duty leaker claims to know otherwise.In the early hours of January 6, TheGhostOfHope took to their X account to say theyve heard that Microsoft is aiming to have a new console, dubbed the Xbox Prime, out in 2026.They added that 2026s Call Of Duty game (which is rumoured to be a Call Of Duty: Ghosts reboot by Infinity Ward) is being considered as a launch title for the new console.TheGhostOfHope previously said the next Xbox console would launch in late 2026 last year, based on what they heard from trusted sources. However, they admitted its unclear if Xbox Prime is the final name for the console or a temporary codename. Although given the terrible names Xbox consoles have traditionally been lumbered with, this one which also makes for a cool acronym would be a significant step up.They even directly asked Jez Corden, a reliable Xbox insider, about it, but Corden apparently lacked the sources to confirm or deny the rumour.While there has been chatter of new Xbox hardware arriving in 2026 before, its currently unclear if the Xbox handheld is also a next gen device. Having it be a hybrid home console would make sense given the success of the Nintendo Switch but that would suggest a less powerful device than the current Xbox Series X, given the restrictions inherent in making a portable.If the handheld is meant to be next gen though, a 2026 launch might be too optimistic since Phil Spencer recently said that any Xbox handheld is a few years out, implying a 2027 or 2028 release window.However, TheGhostOfHope remains confident that Microsoft will have a console ready for next year, calling it an open secret within the industry and saying such a release will give Microsoft a head start on the eventual PlayStation 6, which isnt expected to arrive until 2028.Such a plan is reminiscent of what happened with the original Xbox in the mid-2000s, which was quickly ditched in favour of the Xbox 360. That gave it a year head start on the PlayStation 3 and it remains to this day Microsofts most successful console, in terms of both sales and industry influence.Given the declining sales of Xbox consoles since the Xbox 360 era, its difficult to imagine how Microsoft could turn this trend around but then theres still no clue as to what their great technological leap could be, with something relating to AI being the only obvious guess.More TrendingSony is also reportedly working on a new handheld device of its own. So, any new hardware announcement from Microsoft would invite Sony to do the same.Another rumour has claimed that PlayStation 6 could launch as early as late 2026. Ultimately, Microsoft and Sony will be playing chicken with each other, since neither will want to be the first to announce a new console and give the other the chance to adapt their plans accordingly.It might feel too early to be discussing the next generation, but the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launched in 2020, so 2028 is roughly when a new generation would be expected, under normal circumstances. Although between the pandemic and the cost of living crisis its easy to argue these are not normal circumstances.Nevertheless, falling sales for both the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are likely all the incentive Microsoft and Sony feel they need for the next generation, with both consoles having peaked during Christmas 2023. Even if a new Call Of Duty launches alongside a new Xbox, itll release for PlayStation on the same day (Activision)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy