

A new rumour suggests that Sony and Microsoft are currently testing new PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles that will be seen as a mid-gen upgrade.
This came to light by known Rockstar insider Tez2 (via GTA Forums), who responded to whether a GTA 6 bundle with a new PS5 Slim could release in the near future. This then prompted the claim that: "Most AAA studios should have received the dev kits of mid-life upgrades or should receive them by the start of new year".
Both Sony and Microsoft have a history of releasing upgrades a few years into their console's lifecycles. In fact, during the last generation, the PS4 launched in November 2013 before receiving a slim model in September 2016 and a PS4 Pro in November 2016.
Likewise, the Xbox One was released in November 2013 and then followed by the Xbox One S in August 2016, the Xbox One X in November 2017 and finally, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition in May 2019. As the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S hit retailers in November 2020, a 2023 release date would fit the timescale shown here. That said, a global pandemic happened, likely pushing things back. With this in mind, a 2024 release window seems more probable, however, that's purely speculation.
The first report of a new PS5 and Xbox model being in development was made earlier this year by Chinese electronics company TCL. The company stated the supposed existence of the consoles during a presentation, where it was mentioned that both will feature 8K support and 120hz capabilities. A 2023/2024 release date was further noted.
In the meantime, Sony is poised to launch its PSVR 2 headset in early 2023 and will additionally begin to ship God of War Ragnarok PS5 bundles in November this year. Microsoft, on the other hand, has been teasing a new streaming-only console with Xbox chief Phil Spencer posting an image to social media that fuelled speculation.
Still looking for a PS5? Head to T3's PS5 restock tracker for the latest details and how to get one before the chaos of Black Friday.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Matt is a freelance writer for T3, covering news and keeping up with everything games, entertainment, and all manner of tech. You can find his work across numerous sites across the web, including TechRadar, IGN, GamesRadar, Tom's Guide, Fandom, NME, and more. In his spare time, Matt is an avid cinema-goer, keen runner and average golfer (at best). You can follow him @MattPoskitt64
-
iPhone 17 Air dummy hands-on reveals Apple isn't cutting all the corners
This is shaping up to be a great device
By Sam Cross Published
-
Nintendo Switch 2 price and release plans predicted, matching previous claims by ex-employee
Pricing details and a release window have been suggested by industry experts
By Rik Henderson Published
-
If you want good reason to subscribe to PS Plus, this free game is it
PS Plus Extra and Premium members getting much-loved action-platformer for free
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
Xbox Game Pass getting the mega remake I've waited two decades for
PlayStation and Nintendo console owners will have to pay for it
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
PS Plus getting arguably the best RPG of 2024 on PS5 and PS5 Pro for free
All PS Plus subscribers are arguably getting the best game drop in the service's history this March
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
Xbox Game Pass gets one of the best games of 2024 for free
A multi-award winner has just surprisingly dropped on Xbox Game Pass
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Next-gen Xbox controller pops up again – this time in an unlikely source
The Xbox Sebile controller has been spotted in official Microsoft code
By Rik Henderson Published
-
3 PS5 Pro mistakes that everyone makes – and how to avoid them
Streamline your PS5 Pro experience
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox Game Pass getting one of the most underrated sci-fi adventures of all time
This open-world action-adventure is a must-play, in our opinion
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Xbox confirms the console war is over, but could still be the ultimate winner
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has given up on trying to convert PlayStation fans
By Rik Henderson Published