Xbox’s Uncertain Future: Should You Buy One in 2026?

Xbox’s Shifting Landscape: A Look at Your Buying Options Today and Tomorrow

The future of the Xbox brand has become a hot topic of discussion, especially with recent news hinting at leadership changes. This raises a crucial question for gamers: should you invest in an Xbox console in 2026 or beyond? Before we delve into the long-term prospects, let’s address the immediate practicalities. Should you buy an Xbox today, and if so, which one and why?

The Budget-Friendly Path: Xbox One X

For those seeking the most economical entry into modern Xbox gaming, the original Xbox One, a launch model, can be found for as little as $60 on eBay, with some Goodwill finds dipping as low as $40. However, a more compelling option for a modest investment is the Xbox One X, typically available for around $125. This console offers significant advantages, particularly in its robust backwards compatibility. Microsoft has long been a leader in supporting older games, with the Xbox One X capable of running original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One titles. A significant bonus is its ability to upscale many of these older games to higher resolutions, often with improved frame rates, making it a genuinely impressive machine for its age.

The Xbox One X is an excellent gateway to exploring 25 years of Xbox history on a budget, especially since many classic titles never made the leap to current digital storefronts. It also doubles as a capable 4K Blu-ray player. The primary drawback, however, is its near-zero support for current-generation games. The Xbox One platform is losing support even faster than the PlayStation 4, a trend that makes sense given its lower sales figures compared to its Sony counterpart. Nevertheless, the Xbox One X isn’t intended for playing the latest releases; it’s for appreciating the classics. Many Xbox 360 titles, for instance, can be enjoyed in 4K on this console, and it remains the best platform for playing certain Xbox One era games, even outperforming the PS4 Pro in some aspects.

While the Xbox One X offers a strong proposition for retro gaming, it’s worth noting that not all modern games are available on it. Titles like “Marvel Rivals” have skipped the Xbox One entirely, though live service games such as “Fortnite” still run adequately on the One X. Compared to the PS4, the Xbox One X presents a stronger case for backward compatibility, even if not every game is supported. Considering its price and capabilities for older titles, the Xbox One X remains a reasonable value proposition in 2026.

Current Generation: Series S and Series X Under Scrutiny

The obvious choices for playing new Xbox games today are the Series S and Series X. The Series S, launched in 2020 for $300, was once an easy recommendation and arguably the best deal in gaming. However, after two price increases in 2025, it now starts at $400. Used units can be found for around $250, but it’s a far cry from its initial budget-friendly status.

The Series X, which debuted at $500, now retails for $600 for the digital edition and $650 with a disc drive. This pricing makes it difficult to recommend, especially when a disc-equipped PlayStation 5 costs $550. While the Series X is undoubtedly a powerful piece of hardware, its steep price point is a significant deterrent.

Despite the price hikes, the Series S still holds appeal. While it’s not the powerhouse its bigger sibling is, it delivers about 75% of the experience for less than half the price, with every game available on the Series X also running on the Series S. It offers a reasonable way to play current Xbox games, though the PS5, being more powerful with a potentially longer lifespan and not significantly more expensive than the Series S, presents a strong alternative.

The Evolving Definition of “Xbox”: Beyond the Console

The concept of Xbox is rapidly expanding beyond dedicated hardware. The rise of PC gaming and cloud streaming means that playing Xbox titles no longer requires an Xbox console.

Xbox Game Pass: A Changing Value Proposition

Xbox Game Pass, initially launched in 2017 at $10 per month, transformed the gaming landscape. The introduction of Game Pass Ultimate in 2019, bundling PC access and Xbox Live for $15, made it an almost indispensable service for many. However, following the acquisition of Activision, prices have steadily increased. As of October 2025, Game Pass Ultimate costs $30 per month or $360 annually, more than double the $160 annual cost of Sony’s top-tier PlayStation Plus. While cheaper tiers like Essential ($10/month) and Premium ($15/month) still offer value, the golden age of Game Pass appears to be over.

PC Gaming: The True Successor?

Almost every Xbox exclusive is now available on PC, often alongside a vast Steam library. While Windows on a TV can be clunky, and controller navigation isn’t always seamless, a gaming PC offers future-proofing that current Xbox hardware may lack. For those without high-end PCs, cloud gaming presents an option, though its inconsistency for fast-paced genres remains a concern for some. However, with Game Pass allowing streaming to various devices, it’s a viable solution for many, especially with the potential for a free, ad-supported tier on the horizon. Still, services like GeForce Now offer a superior streaming experience and the ability to play owned games rather than relying solely on subscriptions.

The Controversial Future: Xbox on PlayStation?

The lines are blurring further with Xbox exclusives appearing on the PlayStation 5. Titles like “Halo,” “Gears of War,” “Sea of Thieves,” and “Forza Horizon” are now playable on Sony’s console. While this may feel sacrilegious to some, it’s ultimately beneficial for gamers, allowing more people to enjoy great games on their preferred hardware. Many of these former Xbox exclusives have topped PlayStation’s best-seller charts. Microsoft’s strategy appears to be evolving, with some titles, like “Forza Horizon 6,” still launching later on PS5 to incentivize Game Pass subscriptions.

The ROG Ally X: A Glimpse into Next-Gen?

The ROG Ally X, an iteration of the Windows handheld, offers an “Xbox Full Screen Experience” that overlays an Xbox-like interface onto Windows. While an improvement over standard Windows handhelds, the experience can still be rough, particularly with sleep mode functionality. Unlike the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, the Ally has shown issues with maintaining sleep states, leading to battery drain and prolonged game sessions when not intended. This inconsistency highlights the challenges in creating a seamless console-like experience on PC hardware.

Despite these issues, many Ally owners are positive about the hardware and Windows’ direction, with some even replacing Windows with Linux-based operating systems like Bazzite. This suggests that the core concept of a unified gaming device, combining PC and Xbox experiences, is appealing. Microsoft appears to be betting on this model for the next generation of Xbox, aiming for a device that integrates PC, Xbox Game Pass, and Steam libraries seamlessly.

Verdict: Wait for the Future, Don’t Buy an Xbox Today

Given the current landscape, the advice for most consumers is to hold off on purchasing an Xbox console in 2026. The focus should be on the future, with the next 18-24 months being critical for Microsoft’s decisions regarding the next-generation Xbox. Rumors suggest a new Xbox, developed in partnership with AMD, is expected around 2027, potentially with a lead over the PlayStation 6. This next-gen console is expected to be a premium device, leveraging the strengths of Windows and Xbox. However, challenges remain, including refining the Windows experience for consoles and navigating the high cost of RAM.

The current Xbox hardware is considered a “dead man walking,” and Microsoft should use 2026, the brand’s 25th anniversary, to build anticipation for what’s next. A healthy Xbox ecosystem is vital for competition and innovation across the entire industry. The hope is that Microsoft can leverage upcoming games and positive news to reignite excitement for the brand.

Leadership Changes and the Road Ahead

The departure of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, heads of Xbox, signals a significant shift. While their tenure saw the introduction of innovations like backwards compatibility and Game Pass, the performance of the Series consoles and the recent price increases for Game Pass may have contributed to this change. The future of Xbox hinges on the decisions made in the coming years. The brand is at a crossroads, with a potential scenario where the next Xbox could be a powerful, forward-thinking device offering the best of Windows and Xbox gaming. Alternatively, it could mark a decline for the brand.

The path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Xbox is no longer defined solely by a box under the TV. It’s evolving into a more versatile ecosystem, and the coming years will determine its ultimate success.

Specs & Key Features (for relevant consoles)

Xbox One X

• Release Year: 2017
• CPU: 8-core AMD Jaguar
• GPU: 6 TFLOPS, 40 CUs @ 1172MHz
• RAM: 12 GB GDDR5
• Storage: 1 TB HDD
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
• Backwards Compatibility: Original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One
• Key Feature: Upscaling older titles, 4K Blu-ray playback

Xbox Series S

• Release Year: 2020
• CPU: 8-core Zen 2 @ 3.6GHz (3.4GHz w/ SMT)
• GPU: RDNA 2, 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @ 1.565GHz
• RAM: 10 GB GDDR6
• Storage: 512 GB Custom NVMe SSD (expandable)
• Optical Drive: None
• Target Resolution: 1440p
• Key Feature: Affordable next-gen entry, Game Pass integration

Xbox Series X

• Release Year: 2020
• CPU: 8-core Zen 2 @ 3.8GHz (3.66GHz w/ SMT)
• GPU: RDNA 2, 12.15 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825GHz
• RAM: 16 GB GDDR6
• Storage: 1 TB Custom NVMe SSD (expandable)
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
• Target Resolution: 4K
• Key Feature: Top-tier performance, Game Pass integration

Source: Should You Buy ANY Xbox in 2026? (YouTube)