PS6 and the Next Xbox Are Likely on Track for 2027, Regardless of This Generation’s Outcome

by

October always feels like the point when the year truly starts to feel over, even though there are still games coming out – like *Keeper*, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, *Ninja Gaiden 4*, *Jurassic World Evolution 3*, and *The Outer Worlds 2*. We’ve had some unexpected successes and many well-received games this year, alongside some disappointments and truly bad titles. There have also been tough times for the industry, with layoffs and studio closures. Despite all of this, and how far into this generation of consoles we are, it still feels like we’re only just beginning.

It’s surprising to hear that the next generation of consoles is already in development and might arrive sooner than anticipated. Xbox has confirmed a long-term partnership with AMD, emphasizing their continued investment in console hardware despite declining sales. Mark Cerny, the lead architect of the PlayStation 5, recently discussed with AMD’s Jack Huynh that the next PlayStation console is expected within a few years.

Despite the PlayStation 6 still being some time away, rumors suggest the hardware design is already complete. A reliable insider, KeplerL2, has been sharing details for a while, including a possible detachable disc drive, a handheld version for portable gaming, and significantly improved ray tracing capabilities compared to the PS5 and PS5 Pro. Most recently, KeplerL2 claimed Sony is aiming for a 2027 release, assuming there are no unforeseen problems.

Interestingly, rumors are starting to surface about Microsoft’s next Xbox, and sources (like Moore’s Law is Dead) suggest it could also launch in 2027. If true, we might see announcements for both the PlayStation 2 and the next Xbox sometime next year.

I won’t spend a lot of time discussing the hardware details, as much of it is still based on speculation. However, it’s widely expected that both consoles will use processors built on AMD’s Zen 6 technology. Interestingly, reports suggest the Xbox’s processor could be around 30 to 35 percent more powerful than the PS6’s.

What I find most interesting is when both consoles came out. It’s not a shock, though – just like with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S launched very close together during the busy Fall season. Both companies started promoting their consoles around the same time and heavily emphasized the potential of 4K gaming – though the results have been somewhat inconsistent. They’ve also both increased prices, and their strategies have only really differed in what they’ve planned for the middle of this console generation.

Sony is sticking with the familiar strategy of releasing a more powerful console with the PS5 Pro, while Microsoft is trying something new by entering the handheld gaming market with devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X. Despite being expensive, the Ally X has already sold out, which is a positive sign for Microsoft.

Right now, many people think it’s too soon for new consoles. The current generation still has potential, and there haven’t been enough exclusive games to make upgrading feel worthwhile. While Sony has had success with *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach* and *Ghost of Yōtei*, those are only two titles. There are questions about what other games PlayStation Studios will release, especially considering recent studio closures and canceled projects. Although 2026 looks promising with games like *Marvel’s Wolverine* and *Saros*, it still doesn’t seem like enough, particularly when compared to the strong launch year of the PS5.

Microsoft has struggled with its exclusive games recently, with titles like *Redfall*, *Halo Infinite*, *Starfield*, and *Forza Motorsport* underperforming, and several others being cancelled altogether. Many of their well-received releases were either available on older consoles (*Forza Horizon 5*, *Ori and the Will of the Wisps*) or on multiple platforms (*Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*). While *Hi-Fi Rush* was a bright spot, Microsoft unfortunately closed the studio that created it and sold the rights to another company. At times, Xbox has even had to publicly assure people that its games and consoles are still available in stores. Despite these challenges, there’s a feeling that better things are on the horizon, and their planned releases for 2026 look promising.

If the idea that trends last about seven years is correct, this current generation of consoles might feel like it’s gone by quickly. It didn’t really get going in 2020 because of the pandemic and problems with getting enough computer chips. However, it doesn’t seem like Sony or Microsoft are particularly concerned about that.

Beyond their manufacturing partnership with AMD, both Sony and its shareholders have their own interests to consider. Sony’s reported plans for a handheld PS6 likely stem from the positive reception to the PlayStation Portal. They don’t seem overly concerned with how many people already own a PS5 – the continued sales of the PS5, even without many exclusive games, prove that a large install base isn’t the primary focus. Brand loyalty is more important. Plus, Sony has successfully released games across console generations before – like *Horizon Forbidden West, Ragnarok,* and *Gran Turismo 7* on PS5 – and they’ll likely repeat that strategy with the PS6.

Microsoft’s plans are harder to figure out. While reports suggested they cancelled their own handheld device, they might be waiting to see how well the ROG Ally does before deciding on an Xbox version. It’s also questionable whether Microsoft even *needs* to compete directly in the handheld console market, especially since they’ve started releasing their exclusive games on other platforms and are trying to brand many different devices as ‘Xbox’. Honestly, Microsoft has surprised us with its choices throughout this generation, and it’s likely they will continue to do so.

Ultimately, the big question isn’t *if* the PS6 and next Xbox will come out in 2027, but whether they’ll be worth the cost. With prices going up, will people be willing to pay $700, $800, $900, or even $1000, knowing that upgraded versions will likely follow? Many are skeptical about promises of dramatically improved graphics, just like with previous consoles. For a lot of gamers, the decision may simply come down to how much they’re willing to spend to play *Grand Theft Auto 6* in high quality – specifically, native 4K at 60 frames per second with ray tracing – knowing there will almost certainly be a more expensive, enhanced version with extra content released later on.

Look, it’s frustrating, but I get why both PlayStation and Xbox do what they do. This generation has been weird, for sure. I’d tell fans to maybe not get *too* hyped about what they promise, because hype can really mess with your judgment. Seriously, all it would take is a *Bloodborne* remaster or a new *Halo* and I’d probably throw all my careful planning out the window! Like that character says, you can choose to embrace the new consoles or fight against them, but you can’t ignore them. Once the hype train leaves the station, there’s no stopping it!

Please be aware that the opinions in this article are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of GamingBolt.

Read More

2025-10-19 19:16