Both Microsoft and Sony, it seems, are ready to take on the popularity of Nintendo’s Wii U. Per reports, it is speculated that the PlayStation 4 or Xbox 720 is set for release next year to begin the journey for market dominance against the upcoming Wii U, which marks the start of the era of the next-generation of consoles.
Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has confirmed that a "new console" is coming to challenge the Wii U, and that "it will be very successful." Kotick stated this in the company's most recent earnings call held last week. Rumors making rounds on the Internet have mentioned that since Kotick is the CEO of the biggest videogame publisher in the world, it could be safe to assume that what he knows is actually true.
Kotick, on the topic of a brand new console, said “we can't really talk too much about next generation console plans, but I think it's safe to say you have a Wii U coming out and there will be another new console coming and we expect that they'll be very successful.”
He also added that “we always evaluate all platforms with an eye towards being able to create the most compelling differentiated content. And whether it's Facebook as a platform or tablets or mobile devices platforms, once we think that we can put our best creative foot forward and we can deliver something that's compelling and engaging and meaningfully different and really capitalize on the capabilities of a new platform, we'll support it.”
However, it still remains to be seen as to which next-gen console Kotick here is talking about, as it could be either Sony’s PlayStation 4 or Xbox 720 from Microsoft.
According to a Gameranx report, if the current generation’s console lifecycle is taken into notice, “the obvious choice would be the Xbox 720, seeing as Microsoft did release it first compared to Sony's PS3. Of course, with Sony ‘losing’ this generation to Microsoft, I wouldn't be surprised if they release the PS4 first to gain a head start against whatever Microsoft has planned.”
Additionally, it has also been reported that that Xbox 720’s features will be more design and services oriented. According to EA's EVP of digital Kristian Segerstrale, almost any device “comes with a billing mechanism, a connectivity mechanism, a policy on updates, and all those things that makes it more than just a piece of hardware.”
