Sony is well aware of Microsoft’s plan to launch the next Xbox and they don’t intend on letting Microsoft getting a head start again in the next battle of next-gen consoles.
PlayStation Europe president Jim Ryan said in an interview with Eurogamer that the PS4 would launch shortly following the release of a new Xbox. He said it would be “undesirable” for the PlayStation 4 to launch a new console “significantly later” than a new Xbox.
When Microsoft announces their next console, expect for Sony to make a PS4 announcement immediately.
Gaming analyst Colin Sebastian believes Sony PS4 will see an earlier release date than Xbox 720.
In an interview with IndustryGamers, Sebastian commented, “I doubt they will be ready for launch in 2013. Between Sony and Microsoft, we expect Sony to be first to market perhaps as early as 2013, but more likely in 2014. There is still a lot of investment for both companies to recoup in the current generation.”
Sony has not publicly mentioned the PS4, and has made it clear the company is focused on supporting the PS3 and the upcoming next-gen handheld PlayStation Vita.
Michael Pachter, video game analyst, claimed OnLive could halt the success of PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720. When asked whether the service can compete with the next generation of consoles from Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo in four or five years time the gaming analyst said: “I’m not sure where OnLive will be by then. If they can deliver a similar 3D/virtual reality experience (to PlayStation Move and Kinect), we may not see new consoles succeed.”
OnLive is a video game download service that allows users access to video games such as Assassin’s Creed II, Mafia II, NBA 2K11, and other major gaming titles for three-day, five-day or unlimited pass.
