Ben-DutkaNo, I get it. I know why you don't want to give Microsoft a head-start again.
It's a perfectly justifiable reaction to say, "Damn, we can't be behind this generation in terms of new hardware launch." While the sales numbers prove the PlayStation 3 has made its mark beside the Xbox 360 (worldwide sales numbers are now slightly in favor of the PS3, even after launching a year after the 360, right?), it was tough early on. The system was far too expensive, besides Resistance: Fall of Man , the software wasn't really there, Blu-Ray hadn't won the high-definition format battle yet, and the PlayStation Network was in its infancy stages.
Therefore, it's probably a good idea to go toe-to-toe with your competition this generation, rather than launching a year later again. However, I really can't stress this enough- If you're not ready, Sony, don't push it. Look, Nintendo and Microsoft need new consoles; those systems are tapped out . All one has to do is look at the currently available software and what's on the horizon, and it becomes quite clear that there isn't much power left. On the other hand, designers continue to say, given the smallest opportunity, that there's plenty of life left in the PS3, and projects like The Last Of Us may prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Besides, it seems to me that most PS3 owners are happy to keep their system for a while, and Sony has even stated that the system is "just hitting its stride." If you launch the PS4 alongside the Xbox 720, it may be difficult to convince even the hardcore PlayStation fans to jump into the new generation. The Xbox is in dire need of that upgrade; the PS3, maybe not so much. It already has the true high-def format that might finally work its way into the 720 and really, the exclusives could be pushed to new heights on the current Sony machine. It's another strike if the PS4 is as ridiculously expensive as its predecessor was at launch.
If you're good to go, fine. No problem. But if you rush this machine just for the sake of keeping pace, I'd have to advise against that. I really don't think it's necessary. …then again, maybe I'll feel differently towards the end of next year. Who knows?