You know, part of me likes to think that, if Microsoft had announced the successor to the Xbox 360 at this year’s E3, Sony would have wheeled out their PS4 showreel and done the same. In my mind, both manufacturers had an emergency video showcase that would have highlighted some key titles and new features of whatever they’re working on next – they probably didn’t, of course, and in any case, we didn’t see them.
But it’s a romantic thought.
Regardless, rumours are surfacing today that Sony are going to show off the PS4 next year. This isn’t rocket science – consoles are normally teased well before they launch, and a 2012 reveal would point to a 2013 release anyway, two years from now – that sounds about right to me.
But where are these rumours coming from? Some chaps from a ‘top’ developer, by way of Industry Gamers, who wished to ‘not be quoted’. Sadly, that’s about it – there’s no more information there other than a vague ‘next year’ comment, but the site has spoken to a few analysts to get their impressions of where Sony are and what they think they’ll do next year. Naturally, most comments on the issue assume the big reveal will be at E3 where – it’s heavily assumed – Microsoft will do the same.
We won’t repeat the analysts comments, they’re no more grounded in cold hard reality than anything above. Analyse all you want, only Sony really know what’s going on. Well, Sony and whichever first and third parties they’ve entrusted with any information they’ll need to start speccing out their games, of course. None of which are talking, as you’d expect.
What is common amongst the analysts is the thought that the Wii U won’t bother Sony and Microsoft. The threat’s simply not there – not yet, anyway – and so neither party will be in any particular rush to get their next machines to market. The challenge comes from each other – if one shows their hand, the other must surely do the same. But I’m tempted to think that this generation is only just starting to click into place, with some amazing games on the horizon.
But, hey, about those showreels…
grimm
Let’s hope they make this one backwards compatible.
TheMekon
Pure guesswork on my part, but i wager Sony will wait till MS reveal tech specs of it’s new console next year? then go all out to make it look ‘underpowered’ compared to PS4 using meaningless tech.specs/techno babble about how it’s approach offers developers more potential to find new tricks, more flexibility etc.
When ever they do make an annoucement, hope they include more on board Ram than normal, even if it does mean taking the hit on loss per console sold.