While talks regarding next-gen platforms being released in 2013 has been gaining steam, GameStop CEO Paul Raines does not expect both Sony and Microsoft next-gen offerings to be out in the same year.
In an interview with Polygon, Raines states that while he fully expects the Wii U to be out later this holiday season, he's heard "rumors" that only one next-gen console will be seeing a retail release in 2013, with the other console pushed back to a 2014 release window.
This week, I'm getting a lot of rumors that are very interesting about 2013. We have not been expecting two more consoles in 2013. We're expecting Wii U this holiday, another one next year, and another one in '14. These rumors change every week, but we're hearing more about next year.
Yes, Raines is referencing rumors, but when you're the CEO of the largest games retailer in the world, then that holds a lot more merit than some, no?
Now, keep in mind Raines does admit that these rumors change every week, so it's not like what he heard is set in stone.
I think the bigger question here is, if Raines is correct, which company will have their next-gen console released next year? Logical speculation makes it out to be that since Microsoft released the Xbox 360 earlier than the PS3, then they're going to be the first one out of the gate again. But do keep in mind that Sony has gone on record to state that they won't be "late" in their console launches again.
Would you want to see the next Xbox in 2013 with the PS4 in 2014? Or would you rather they release within the same timeframe? One thing seems to be clear though, 2013 is shaping up to be a very, very interesting year for gamers.
