The secret did not last long. A promotional screenshot that appeared on social networks reignites speculation around Forza Horizon 6the next installment in the popular arcade racing game franchise. And according to this unconfirmed image, players could put their tires on Japanese asphalt much sooner than expected.
According to this visual shared by the Xbox Infinite site, based in Saudi Arabia, the Premium Edition of the game would provide early access from May 15, 2026, four days before a general release set for May 19. The official announcement could come very soon, during the Xbox Developer Direct scheduled for January 22.
An intriguing leak, but take with caution
The screenshot in question would have been taken in Forza Horizon 5at the precise moment when a player left the virtual garage to select his vehicle. This pop-up message offered to pre-order Forza Horizon 6notably promising an exclusive Ferrari J50 for the first buyers.
This detail immediately ignited the community, especially since several internal sources had already mentioned a similar release window. However, some observers point to the lack of independent verification of the screenshot: no other reliable source has yet confirmed its authenticity. The original tweet has since been deleted, reinforcing both distrust and curiosity.
Japan as a new playground
One of the most anticipated elements of this new Forza Horizon remains its decor. And this time, the rumors seem to be confirmed: Japan would indeed be the destination chosen for this sixth part. It’s a radical change after the Mexican roads of Forza Horizon 5and a choice praised by many fans looking for twisty city circuits, mountainous landscapes and dynamic weather.
The choice of Japan could also allow Playground Games to integrate a more varied selection of vehicles and driving styles, linked to Japanese car culture. Drift, mountain roads, tuning: the possibilities are numerous, and eagerly awaited.
A Premium Edition that focuses on exclusive bonuses
According to the leak, players who pre-order the Premium Edition or opt to upgrade from the standard version will enjoy several benefits. Besides the pre-tuned Ferrari J50, they would also receive exclusive car packs, upcoming premium expansions, and four-day early access.
This type of business strategy is not new for the series, but it continues to appeal to the most involved fans. It remains to be seen if the Xbox Developer Direct on January 22 will officially confirm these bonuses and the mentioned release date. In the meantime, tension is slowly rising among speed enthusiasts.
A crucial launch for Xbox and Playground Games
The stakes go beyond the simple success of a game: Forza Horizon 6 is part of a strategic dynamic for Xbox, which must strengthen its exclusive catalog on Series X|S in the face of increasingly fierce competition. With more than five million copies sold on PS5 for Forza Horizon 5 since last April, the franchise has already proven its attractiveness beyond Microsoft platforms.
A successful spring launch, combined with a richer open world and a new map in Japan, could allow Xbox Game Studios to score points. But everything will depend on whether the information currently leaking is confirmed or not.