Halo, Fable, Gears: Xbox Prepares Historic “Blockbuster” Year for 2026
Xbox is preparing for a historic year in 2026. While the brand prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Vice President Jason Ronald has officially confirmed that major announcements regarding the future of the ecosystem are on the way. From a massive game lineup to next-gen hardware, here is what you need to know.
Xbox Promises Huge Revelations for 2026
In a recent appearance on the BBC, Jason Ronald, the Vice President of the next Xbox generation, made it clear that the company is gearing up for a pivotal moment.
While the interview with journalist Tom Gerken initially focused on the ROG Xbox Ally partnership, the conversation quickly shifted to the broader future of the brand. Ronald agreed to field questions regarding the Xbox Game Pass and the company’s roadmap.
When asked if Microsoft plans to add more original Xbox titles to Game Pass, Ronald pivoted to the bigger picture. He explained that Xbox intends to celebrate its heritage in 2026 while simultaneously “defining the future of the Xbox ecosystem.”
He teased that “many exciting things” will be shared next year. Here is his full statement:
“I can’t announce anything today, but 2026 will be the 25th anniversary of Xbox, and we want to celebrate the great heritage and history we have while defining the future of the Xbox ecosystem. I can neither confirm nor deny what you are asking, but stay tuned. We have many exciting things to share next year.”
Halo, Fable, Gears: A Blockbuster Lineup
Beyond hardware announcements, 2026 is shaping up to be a legendary year for software. The 25th anniversary will likely coincide with the release of heavy hitters that defined the console’s identity. We are expecting the launch of:
- Halo: Campaign Evolved
- Forza Horizon 6
- Fable
- Gears of War: E-Day
The year should also see other major third-party releases, such as the second expansion for Diablo 4 and potentially the next entry in the shooter franchise, rumored to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Of course, fans are hoping for even more surprises. Could 2026 finally be the year we see State of Decay 3 or Clockwork Revolution?
We might get early answers during the Game Awards on December 11-12, followed by a likely Developer_Direct in January and the traditional Xbox Games Showcase in June.
Is the ROG Ally Teasing the Next Generation?
During his interview, Jason Ronald emphasized that Xbox is “always thinking about the future of gaming and new ways for people to play.”
Persistent rumors suggest that the next Xbox could essentially be a specialized PC running Windows. The President of Xbox recently confirmed the next console will be a “premium machine,” and many believe the current ROG Xbox Ally devices are laying the groundwork for this future.
We already know a few key details about the next-gen machine:
- It will be backward compatible with the current library.
- It won’t be limited to a single store (following PC logic).
- Its chip is being designed in partnership with AMD.
Auto SR and AI: New Tech Features
The gaming experience on devices like the ROG Ally is improving rapidly, hinting at what the next generation will offer natively. Microsoft is already rolling out advanced features:
- Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR): A system-integrated feature using the NPU to upscale low-resolution games. This provides HD graphics and smooth frame rates without requiring extra work from developers.
- Automatic Replays: AI that captures your highlights, epic boss fights, or victories, automatically generating short clips for social sharing.
More improvements are expected in the coming months, specifically for the docked experience on handhelds. Microsoft aims to ensure a seamless, high-performance setup that supports big-screen gaming and intuitive controller pairing.
It is clear that Microsoft is trying to iron out these friction points now. Their goal is likely to offer a PC-like experience that feels as simple as a console by the time the next generation launches—a challenge that remains ambitious.
Time to unwrap your brand new This Week on Xbox!
Find your 🎁 here: https://t.co/rKVxorfCfo pic.twitter.com/l5ZBrwqett — Xbox (@Xbox) December 5, 2025
In Conclusion
The road to 2026 looks incredibly exciting for Xbox fans. Between a nostalgic yet futuristic 25th anniversary and the potential shift toward a handheld/PC hybrid console, Microsoft is betting big.
What do you think about the next Xbox being a handheld PC? Does that interest you, or do you prefer a traditional box under the TV? Let us know in the comments!
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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