Call of Duty 2026: Activision Confirms PS4 Exclusion, Focus on Next-Gen Hardware

Summer is nearly here, and with it comes the annual Call of Duty reveal season. June typically signals the start of the franchise’s marketing push ahead of its yearly launch, and this year’s entry is approaching faster than players may realize.

However, a recent rumor threatened to overshadow the upcoming release. On May 3, reliable leaker Alaix claimed the new Call of Duty was being tested for PS4, sparking speculation that the aging console might still receive a 2026 entry.

Activision swiftly addressed the rumor, clarifying that the next game will not be developed for PS4.

"Not sure where this one started, but it’s not true. The next Call of Duty is not being developed for PS4."

This confirmation has been met with relief across the gaming community. The upcoming title, rumored to be a new entry in the Modern Warfare series, will be the first in the franchise to launch exclusively on current-gen hardware. Even Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, slated for 2025, will still be available on PS4.

Why the Shift to Current-Gen?

The exclusion of PS4 (and Xbox One) aims to leverage the improved capabilities of newer consoles, potentially delivering a more polished gaming experience. While the outcome remains to be seen, Activision’s rapid response to misinformation underscores its commitment to accuracy. This follows the publisher’s earlier legal actions against data miners in the community, reinforcing a new direction for the franchise.

When Will the Next Call of Duty Be Revealed?

A strong possibility is the Xbox Showcase in early June, mirroring how Black Ops 7 was first unveiled last year. Upon launch, the game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.