One of the greatest assets of this industry is its unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve got it sussed – a rumour will throw you completely off base. Consider the ongoing discussion surrounding the PlayStation 4. We took The Last of Us’ spring release date as confirmation of the next-generation system’s imminent arrival – but technology website SemiAccurate reckons that we’re wrong.
Citing internal sources, the publication states that Sony’s futuristic hardware is being referred to as ‘Thebes’ internally. That contrasts speculation regarding the codename ‘Orbis’, although we suppose the platform holder could be using both project titles. According to the site, the futuristic system is being built around an AMD chip, which is set to be produced at either IBM or Global Foundries. But here’s the interesting bit – the report claims that the circuit will go into production after Microsoft’s own next-generation chip, giving the platform holder a head start with the Xbox 360’s successor. Apparently, the PS4 will not launch until spring or autumn 2014.
The date counters almost everything that we’ve heard about Sony’s in-development system so far, with a late 2013 release date frequently touted. It also ignores comments that the company has made in the past about wanting to beat the next Xbox to market. Let’s just hope that SemiAccurate’s sources are true to the site’s name, otherwise the next-generation could hold another game of catch up for the PlayStation brand.
[source semiaccurate.com]
Comments 16
I don't know if purposefully waiting to launch second is a good business decision, especially if your competitor launches in time for Christmas, but what do I know.
Not again, hopefully the ps4 is easier to develop for.
It makes sense. Microsoft will obviously rush their next-gen console while Sony will take their good sweet time with the PS4. After all, the PS3 is still selling like hotcakes. Honestly, I could care less about the PS4 right now. They could wait until 2016 or 2017 for all I care. There's still plenty of life left in the PS3.
I suppose we have to look ahead towards E3 2013 then? If there's no mention of the PS4 there then this could well be right. It's honestly extremely hard to read Sony sometimes, but maybe that's for the best.
i ready for ps4 whenever its comes...sony cannot give microsoft too much lead on the market next gen...
@JavierYHL Exactly, i think they do need give microsoft another head start. However, it could be that they could improve the console because hardware becomes cheaper with the day ( Older with the day).
@Knux I agree, I'm completely happy with my PS3 at the moment, I think the console still has so much more to give. Take your sweet time Sony, rushing out a console before Microsoft will not help in the long-run.
I'm in no rush for PS4 either. There are still way to many games I have yet to play.
As others have said, I am in no way ready for PS4. I got my PS3 a mere 7 months ago, and am literally drowning in games to play. My one hope is that Last Guardian still comes to PS3, if the rumors about the PS4 delay are true. Man, I really want to play that game!!
@Superconsole I don't know. If Microsoft establishes its console first, then Sony faces an uphill struggle again. It's been playing catch up all generation, it needs to be ready this time.
I always feel like the Vita would be doing better if it would have released alongside the 3DS. But that system took way too long to reach the market, too.
I'm more in agreement with Sammy here. I don't personally need the PS4 yet like a lot of people are saying. But, who am I kidding, if they release it I'm going to buy it. I think the problem from a business standpoint is giving Microsoft a head start getting into living rooms. I feel like we were just having this discussion about Sony and their poor decisions about timing.
I agree with Sammy's side of things too. The one year head start the 360 had dealt a huge blow to Sony and allowed Microsoft to gain a huge amount of ground while there were no competitors on the market. Doing it again could be even more disastrous considering both consoles share much of the same user base.
I'm perfectly happy with the PS3, but from a business perspective Sony should be looking to launch the PS4 in line with the next Xbox, or before.
Thats gonna be Sony's biggest problem. The PS3 is still doing really well both economically and game wise, a new console will only cause a shift among consumers. On the flip-side giving MS too much of a head start will hinder PS4 sales since once consumers buy one they likely aren't going to want the other, thats what happened this gen and the only people who switched were the ones who's console went RROD/YLOD.
Not really ready for PS4 myself either, only had mine for about a year and I didn't really buy it for first party games anyway so I won't be buying PS4 for them either.
@get2sammyb Hmmm Sammy, that is a very good point - it may very well be a race to see who can take the first place in the living room between Sony & Microsoft, I see what you mean @Squiggle55. Let's just hope that a tactic like that doesn't jeopardise the quality of the new console itself.
I'm hoping they don't rush this. They need to perfect the system. And it damn well better be around an AMD chip (Kaveri or Steamroller anyone?), I'm tired of how third party devs are sick of Sony's decision to stick with Cell.
Late 2014 would be fine with me, I still probably won't have the Wii U by that time anyway, and PS4 will probably be above what the Wii U was at launch.
I was ready for the PS4 this holiday! No, they can't be last to market again and they know it. Sony's stock is still in junk status and that just can't stand!
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