Even though in the game console world even the formal introductions of next-generation game machines uplift sales of current-gen systems and titles, Sony Corp.’s president Kazuo Hirai does not seem to plan releasing the next-generation game console first at any cost. As a result, Microsoft Corp. may again unleash the future of gaming ahead of its bitter rival.

“Why go first, when your competitors can look at your specifications and come up with something better,” said Kaz Hirai in an interview with The Times.

Considering that it takes years to develop a video game console and align its technology specifications with game developers, it is impossible to tweak certain specs months, or even a year ahead of launch in order to get something considerably better. Therefore, revealing pure technology details us hardly something that Mr. Hirai might be afraid of.

Microsoft Xbox 360 was a year ahead of Sony PlayStation 3, which not only slowed down sales of the latter, but also led to refocus of game developers onto the Xbox 360. Sony will clearly not allow a similar thing to happen again and therefore will ensure timely launch of the PlayStation 4 “Orbis” system.

Launching two high-profile game consoles at the same time is not an option for the two companies, Microsoft and Sony, since neither of them will be able to get all the attention of the media and therefore gamers. Meanwhile, unveiling its own platform a couple of weeks after the rival has its benefits as it allows not only to promote the main advantages of own device, but to address certain potential disadvantages of the competing product.

Tags: Sony, Playstation, Xbox, Xbox Next, Microsoft, Loop, Durango, Odin, Omni, Orbis