With GTA 6, next-gen exclusives, and a console comeback on the horizon, Xbox risks sitting on the sidelines — here's why

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: In this photo illustration, a phone displaying the Grant Theft Auto VI logo and new release date is shown in front of a screen displaying the second official trailer for the game, on May 06, 2025 in London, England. Last week, Rockstar Games, developer of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, announced the game had been pushed back to May of next year. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images).

One thing has consistently haunted Xbox throughout this generation: its struggling hardware sales. Right from the start, the Xbox Series X|S made a solid debut, even occasionally edging out the PlayStation 5 in the US according to Circana sales reports.

During those early days, Xbox snagged the sales crown multiple times over the holiday season. However, that initial momentum was short-lived.