Sony PlayStation 4: Not Before 2016?

While Nintendo is gearing up to launch its Wii U console this year, Sony doesn't seem to be in any hurry to show off a PS4. In any case, that's what Mr Kaz Hirai (pictured right holding a PS Vita), President of Sony Computer Entertainment, seems to be suggesting.

At a roundtable event at CES 2012, Sony's probable future number one said:

'Andy (House) is absolutely right in that we are not making any announcements at E3 (Ed. about the PS4). I’ve always said a 10-year life cycle for PS3, and there is no reason to go away from that'.

So according to Kaz Hirai's view of console lifespan, the PlayStation 3, released in 2006, should have another five years' life in it yet! We therefore may not see a new PlayStation before 2016! Although a new and improved console could always see the light of day before that, this 10-year product lifecycle does at least mean we can expect PS3 games to keep coming for another five years.

We'd certainly be very surprised if we saw a PS4 before 2013, especially if the console isn't announced at the E3. That should leave plenty of time for Nintendo to get its new Wii U firmly installed in living rooms around the world, unless, of course, Microsoft decides to out a replacement for the XBOX 360 (XBOX 'Next' or 'XBOX 720'). In any case, we'll find out more about the shape this year's console market at the E3 trade show, due to take place 5-7 June 2012 in Los Angeles.

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