In a significant development for the gaming industry, AMD CEO Lisa Su has all but confirmed that Microsoft is targeting a 2027 launch for its next-generation Xbox console.
During an earnings call on February 3, 2026, Su revealed that development of a “semi-custom SoC” (System on a Chip) for the next Xbox is progressing well to support a launch in that timeframe. This marks the first concrete timeline for the successor to the Xbox Series X|S.
1. The “Very Premium” Strategy
While Microsoft has not officially announced a date, the internal roadmap has shifted significantly from the leaked “2028” plans seen during the FTC trial in 2023.
- The “Sarah Bond” Vision: Xbox President Sarah Bond has teased the next console as a “very premium, high-end, curated experience.” * Hybrid Approach: The hardware is expected to be a PC/console hybrid, potentially running a specialized version of Windows that allows users to access libraries like Steam alongside their Xbox games.
- One Machine, Two Experiences: Reports suggest the 2027 launch may focus on a single, ultra-powerful “enthusiast” box rather than the split Series S/X model used in the current generation.
2. Technical Specifications (Leaked)
Industry insiders and analysts at Tom’s Hardware and Digital Foundry have pieced together the likely internal hardware for the 2027 debut:
| Component | Projected Specification |
| CPU Architecture | AMD Zen 6 or Zen 7 (Built on a 2nm or 3nm process). |
| GPU Architecture | AMD RDNA 5 (Expected to deliver 2x ray-tracing performance). |
| NPU (AI) | Dedicated Neural Processing Unit for AI-driven upscaling (FSR Redstone). |
| Form Factor | Likely a “Tower” design optimized for cooling high-TDP components. |
3. The Handheld Factor
The 2027 roadmap is reportedly not limited to just a home console.
- Native Handheld: Following the success of the ROG Xbox Ally X in 2025, Microsoft is rumored to be developing its own native Xbox Handheld that would launch alongside or shortly after the home console.
- Silicon Synergy: By using a unified AMD architecture across both the home box and the handheld, developers can easily scale games across both form factors.
4. Why 2027?
The timing is strategic for two reasons:
- The 7-Year Cycle: Launching in late 2027 (likely November) would put the Series X|S lifecycle at exactly seven years—the standard lifespan for a console generation.
- The PS6 Rivalry: Sony is also rumored to be targeting 2027 for the PlayStation 6, which will also be powered by AMD silicon. Microsoft aims to ensure it is not “second to market” this time around.
Conclusion: A Shift to the High-End
The next Xbox represents a fundamental pivot for Microsoft. By moving toward a “Windows-style” hybrid and a premium price point, Microsoft is positioning the Xbox not just as a toy, but as a specialized gaming PC for the living room. As Lisa Su noted, the silicon is “progressing well,” suggesting we are less than two years away from the next great leap in console hardware.
