Key Takeaways
- Call of Duty 2026 (likely Modern Warfare 4) will not release on PS4 or Xbox One
- This is the first COD to skip last-gen since Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2013
- Black Ops 7 finished fifth in US sales last year, the lowest placement since 2008
Call of Duty is finally cutting the cord with last-gen consoles. Activision confirmed via the official Call of Duty X account that this year's entry will not release on PlayStation 4. The same applies to Xbox One.
This makes the upcoming game, widely rumored to be Modern Warfare 4, the first Call of Duty since 2013's Ghosts to skip the PS4/Xbox One generation entirely. The PS4 will turn 13 years old around the game's expected release window.
The Rumor That Started the Panic
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Modern Warfare 4 was being playtested on PlayStation 4. Fans reacted with frustration. Many believe last-gen hardware has held back game design for years, forcing developers to accommodate aging CPUs, limited RAM, and slower storage.
Activision's confirmation came as a direct response. The company did not explain its reasoning, but the timing was clear: damage control after the rumor spread.
Black Ops 7's Sales Slide
The decision comes after a rough year for the franchise. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launched on both last-gen and current-gen hardware in 2024. It finished fifth on the US yearly sales charts.
That's the lowest placement for the franchise since Call of Duty: World at War in 2008. Battlefield 6, Call of Duty's longtime rival, outsold it. For a series that historically claims the top spot every year, fifth place represents a significant decline.
Development Was Scrapped Late
According to CharlieIntel co-founder Keshav Bhat, Modern Warfare 4 was actually in development for last-gen hardware until late last year. The PS4 and Xbox One versions were canceled sometime after that point.
This suggests Activision made the call relatively recently. Whether Black Ops 7's disappointing sales influenced the decision remains unclear. The company has not commented on its reasoning.
What About Nintendo Switch 2?
There's another wrinkle. When Microsoft acquired Activision in 2023, it signed a 10-year agreement with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms. That hasn't happened yet.
Activision said last year it was working on Switch support. With the Switch 2 now on the horizon, some are wondering if Modern Warfare 4 could skip PS4 and Xbox One but still launch on Nintendo's new hardware. That would be an unusual move, but not impossible given the legal commitment.
The Last Major Holdout
Call of Duty has been one of the last major franchises still supporting last-gen consoles. Most AAA publishers moved on years ago. The PS4 launched in November 2013. The Xbox One followed the same month. Both are now over a decade old.
Rumors suggest the PS6 could arrive as early as 2027 or 2028. Supporting hardware from two generations back becomes increasingly difficult as games push higher fidelity and more complex systems.
Fans hope the shift will give Infinity Ward and supporting studios room to make a bigger technological leap. Whether that translates to better visuals, larger maps, or new gameplay systems remains to be seen.
Logicity's Take
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Call of Duty 2026 be on PS4?
No. Activision confirmed via the official Call of Duty X account that this year's game will not release on PlayStation 4.
Is Call of Duty 2026 coming to Xbox One?
No. The confirmation about PS4 implies Xbox One is also dropped, as the two consoles are typically supported together.
What is Call of Duty 2026 called?
The game is rumored to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward. Activision has not officially announced the title.
Why is Call of Duty dropping last-gen support?
Activision hasn't given an official reason. Black Ops 7's disappointing sales and the PS4's age (13 years by release) are likely factors.
Will Call of Duty come to Nintendo Switch 2?
Microsoft signed a 10-year deal with Nintendo to bring Call of Duty to their platforms. Whether Modern Warfare 4 will launch on Switch 2 is unknown.
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Source: IGN All
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
