If you’re walking into a store today looking for an xbox one new console, I have some news that might be a little awkward. Microsoft basically stopped making the Xbox One years ago. It’s a bit of a naming nightmare, honestly. Between the One S, the One X, the Series S, and the Series X, it’s no wonder people are still searching for a "new" version of a console that technically hit its peak in 2017.
But here’s the thing. There is something new happening right now in 2026, and it’s not what you think.
While the Xbox One family is effectively "legacy" hardware at this point, the rumors about what’s replacing the current Series X are finally starting to solidify. If you've been holding out for a mid-gen refresh or a true successor, we are officially in that weird transition period where the old tech is dying, the current tech is expensive, and the future tech is just barely out of reach.
The Xbox One "New" Console Confusion
Let’s clear the air. When people talk about a new Xbox One, they’re usually thinking of one of three things. First, they might be looking for the Xbox Series X, which is the current powerhouse. It’s easy to mix up "One X" and "Series X" if you aren't a hardcore gamer. I’ve seen it happen a thousand times.
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Second, they might be looking for the recent hardware revisions Microsoft dropped. Just a few months ago, Microsoft released a 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition of the Series X and an all-digital Robot White version. These aren’t "Xbox Ones," but they are the newest boxes you can actually buy at retail.
Third—and this is the spicy part—there are the 2026 rumors. According to reports from Windows Central and industry insiders like Jez Corden, Microsoft is currently "full speed ahead" on its next-generation hardware. Some leaks suggest we might even see a reveal of a dedicated handheld or a "PC-like" console later this year.
Why the Xbox One X Still Refuses to Die
It is kind of wild that in 2026, the Xbox One X is still a conversation piece. For a console released in 2017, it has more "grunt" in certain areas than the newer, cheaper Series S.
The One X can do native 4K on a lot of older titles, whereas the Series S often caps out at 1080p or 1440p. If you're looking for a budget way to play 4K Blu-rays, a used One X is still a better bet than a brand-new Series S.
But you've gotta be careful. New games like Gears of War: Reloaded or the upcoming Fable simply won't run on the One X hardware natively. You'd be stuck using Cloud Gaming, which is... okay, but let's be real, it's not the same as having the hardware in your living room.
What’s Actually Happening in 2026?
If you're looking for a "new" console right now, the landscape is shifting toward hybrid devices. Microsoft has been dropping hints about a strategic partnership with AMD to build "next-generation silicon."
This isn't just a spec bump. We’re talking about:
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- Neural Rendering: Using AI to make games look 4K without the hardware melting.
- Direct-to-WiFi Controllers: The rumored Elite Series 3 is expected to launch this year, featuring haptics that actually feel like something and reduced latency for cloud play.
- The "PC Console" Dream: There is a lot of talk about the next Xbox being more like a Windows PC. Imagine being able to exit the Xbox dashboard and open Steam. It sounds too good to be true, but with the success of the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, Microsoft knows where the wind is blowing.
Honestly, buying an "xbox one new console" today is basically buying a refurbished machine. It’s a great way to save money if you just want to play Minecraft or Fortnite, but you're buying into a dead end.
The Price Problem
If you decide to jump to the current "new" Xbox (the Series X), be prepared for sticker shock. In late 2025, the price of the Series X actually went up in several regions, with the base model often sitting around $649. High RAM prices and a lack of competition in the high-end space have made gaming an expensive hobby again.
This is why the used Xbox One market is still so active. You can find an Xbox One S for the price of a couple of new games. It’s a "new console" to you, even if the factory stopped making them years ago.
Don't Get Burned by Scams
Because people are still searching for an xbox one new console, scammers are having a field day on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. They’ll list a "New Xbox One" and show a picture of a Series X, or worse, they’ll sell you an original 2013 "VCR" model Xbox One and claim it’s the latest thing.
If it doesn't have a disc drive and it's white and tiny, it's a Series S.
If it's a big black tower, it's a Series X.
If it’s a flat white or black box with a disc drive, it’s likely an Xbox One S or One X.
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Check the ports. If it doesn't have an HDMI 2.1 port, it’s not going to give you those sweet 120Hz refresh rates your new TV supports.
The Handheld Factor
There is one more thing to keep an eye on. Throughout 2026, we expect to see more "Xbox-branded" OEM hardware. Think of it like an Xbox-certified PC handheld. If you want the "newest" thing with the Xbox logo on it, it might not even be a box that sits under your TV. It might be something you hold in your hands.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are determined to get an Xbox right now, here is the move:
- Check your TV first. If you don't have a 4K 120Hz display, buying a Series X is like putting racing fuel in a minivan. You won't see the benefit.
- Skip the One X. I know I said it has 4K, but the CPU is a dinosaur. The loading times will drive you crazy.
- Look for the "Robot White" Series X. It’s the 1TB all-digital model. It’s the newest revision of the current gen and usually the best "bang for your buck" if you don't care about discs.
- Wait for June. Microsoft usually does their big "Showcase" in the summer. If there is a true "new" console coming for the 25th anniversary of Xbox in late 2026, that’s when they’ll announce it.
Buying a console is always a gamble on timing. Right now, the "Xbox One" is a great budget memory, but the "Series" is where the actual games are happening.