Microsoft Expects Next Console Generation to Start in 2028

With Microsoft going to trial with the FTC over its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, more documents have begun to emerge (via IGN). After revealing that it was undecided on The Outer Worlds 2 coming to PlayStation, Microsoft believes the next console generation’s “expected starting period” is 2028.

This comment isn’t to confirm that the next generation of consoles will launch by then (if the “expected” part wasn’t a dead giveaway). Regarding its commitment to Call of Duty titles to release on PlayStation platforms for the next ten years, Microsoft said, “This term would, in any case, go beyond the expected starting period of the next generation of consoles (in 2028).

“Thus, Call of Duty will be published on successor PlayStation consoles should one be released during the term of the agreement. The agreement also would ensure that Call of Duty console games are offered on PlayStation at parity with Xbox.”

This is to counter Sony’s statement about losing access to Call of Duty “and other Activision titles” by the time it  by 2027. As such, Sony hasn’t revealed plans to release a new PlayStation console, though there are rumors of a PS5 with a detachable Blu-ray disc drive and the PS5 Pro launching in Holiday 2024.

SIE president Jim Ryan said in April to the FTC that the company can’t reveal details about its next console to Activision if the acquisition passes. It remains to be seen if parity with the Xbox versions would be possible in those circumstances.