Zero Percent Chance Sony Will Show PlayStation 4 At E3 2012

[Slidell]

There’s been a lot of Internet buzz of late regarding an MCV story that states that both Sony and Microsoft will show off PlayStation 4 and the next Xbox at E3 2012 this June in Los Angeles. But according to videogame analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, that’s not going to happen.

“I think there’s zero chance of a tease from Sony for PlayStation 4 and only a 20 percent chance from Microsoft that they’ll tease the next Xbox,†said Pachter. “Neither console is launching in 2013, so there’s no reason to tease them in 2012.â€

Even Nintendo, which is launching its HD Wii U later this year, waited until E3 2011 to show off the device. Nintendo will also have the new console at CES 2012 in Las Vegas January 10-13.

Of the big three, Nintendo is slated to lock in more launch details for its Wii U device, which is expected to offer game developers the ability to offer apps for both the console and the wireless tablet controller through a Nintendo App Store.

Sony, which debuted its PS Vita at E3 2011 and will have the device at CES 2012, has stated that its PlayStation 3 console will have a 10-year life cycle – something it’s replicating with the PS Vita. Sony has been able to keep the PS3 relevant through firmware upgrades that have included 3D functionality and other features. With no launch expected for PlayStation 4 for at least two years, announcing a new console in June while the company is still pushing PS3 games and hardware doesn’t make much sense. After all, gamers know it’s coming.

http://blogs-images.forbes.com/johngaudiosi/files/2012/01/WiiU-300x212.jpgMicrosoft has been riding a high with its Xbox 360. The year that has been targeted by several developers for the launch of its next console (which I hope won’t be called Xbox 720), is 2014. Teasing a device that’s still two years away, and likely wouldn’t have any games available for it by E3, makes little sense. Again, gamers know it’s coming. And Microsoft is still marketing its 360 and Kinect.

While Nintendo’s upgrade to HD graphics (finally) will put its console more in a direct competitive role against Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo has always done things its own way. And what does Sony and Microsoft have to gain by teasing their next consoles. Gamers who want a new console will have only the Wii U as a choice this year. And many of those gamers will likely pick up a PS4 and/or the next Xbox when those devices launch in a couple of years.

via forbes