Rumor: Call of Duty 2026 Could Omit PS4 and Xbox One Versions

Overview

Call of Duty 2026 may mark the conclusion of game releases for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, indicating a significant shift in the gaming landscape.
The Call of Duty franchise has evolved through various console generations, consistently adapting to meet technological advancements.
Players may soon need to transition to new gaming consoles to experience upcoming titles and new gameplay features.

A credible report from a well-known leaker suggests that Call of Duty 2026 might not be available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. If accurate, this development could denote the end of the franchise’s support for older generation consoles, causing fans to consider updates to their gaming systems.

Since its inception, the Call of Duty franchise has journeyed across multiple console generations. Originally launched on the PC, the series quickly expanded to include platforms from both Sony and Microsoft, covering four iterations of PlayStation and three of Xbox. Historical instances, such as the discontinuation of support for certain console generations with releases like Black Ops 3, demonstrate how evolving technological demands can outpace older hardware. Given that the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One debuted in 2013, their age and limitations may soon necessitate the end of their game support.

Recent insights from notable leaker TheGhostOfHope, shared via Twitter, suggest that Call of Duty 2026 is set within the Modern Warfare universe, with a development team led by Infinity Ward. Should these claims be validated, this release would signify a pivotal shift away from the PS4 and Xbox One.

Transitioning from Last-Generation Consoles in 2026

EXCLUSIVE Details for Modern Warfare IV (2026): – No Old Gen support – Traditional UI like the older games (More traditional than BO6) – Engine being overhauled to address MWII problems like "visual clutter" etc.– Being developed on Dev Kits for the Next Xbox – No "Warzone 3" — Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) pic.twitter.com/xzmdjiDARd — March 3, 2025

CharlieIntel indicate that Call of Duty 2025 could represent the final title supporting last-generation consoles. Set within the Black Ops storyline and serving as a sequel to 2012’s Black Ops 2, this upcoming game may allow PS4 and Xbox One players a last chance to engage with the franchise, although it remains uncertain whether these versions will meet the quality standards of newer consoles. Similar to Black Ops 3, which saw many downgrades on last-gen systems, players might expect limited features and lower graphics fidelity.

While this transition isn’t entirely unexpected, as it often accompanies the conclusion of a console generation cycle, it may still pose challenges for loyal customers who may find themselves needing to invest in new hardware to continue enjoying their favorite gaming experiences. As these reports remain speculative, it’s difficult to ascertain the exact implications for Call of Duty 2026 upon release or what barriers players may encounter in accessing the game. However, with ample time remaining and the inherent unpredictability of video game development, many aspects could still evolve before launch.

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