Xbox Prime Rumors Denied by Insiders

Rumors of a new Xbox console called 'Xbox Prime' set to launch in 2026 have been firmly dismissed by several insiders, including Jez Corden, who stated that there is no such console planned. The speculation originated from a Call of Duty insider, but was quickly met with skepticism due to the short console lifecycle of six years, which contrasts with previous trends of seven to eight years. Microsoft has been focusing more on cloud gaming and streaming services rather than traditional hardware, as evidenced by recent functionalities like streaming games to Amazon Fire Stick. Xbox chief Phil Spencer has hinted at exploring handheld gaming options, suggesting that while a new console might be in the pipeline, it's likely years away. The current narrative indicates that Xbox is shifting away from solely console-centric strategies in favor of broader gaming accessibility. Overall, the industry remains uncertain about Xbox's future direction amidst the ongoing debate about its hardware plans.