Ben-DutkaThe rumors concerning the next generation of hardware continue to thrive, the latest of which saying that the new Xbox will require a constant Internet connection (uh-oh).
But more "inside sources" have apparently been talking to VG24/7 , and it seems Sony is "confident" that they'll beat Microsoft to the punch this time around. In fact, the "design goalposts" for the new PlayStation were in place over two years ago, and the system should be ready for Christmas 2013 (about the same time as the rumored launch for the new Xbox). The source also said to keep an eye on next year's E3 keynotes…yes, next year's.
"Sony are completely in the belief that they have the jump on Microsoft this time. You should be watching the timing of next year’s E3 keynotes, and who’s going to go first."
Another source has claimed that all next-gen consoles will be on store shelves "by 2014." Furthermore, it appears the biggest publishers and developers "already know what's going on."
"Top line publishers already know about it. Developers working with publishers – like Ubisoft, for example – already know what’s going on. They’re already working on it."
Specific details on the system are lacking (unless you count all the unconfirmed info), but it almost seems inevitable that we won't make it through 2013 without seeing at least one new console. At this rate, chances are, we'll see both Sony and Microsoft release their fresh hardware to the market some time before or during next year's holiday rush.