Microsoft and Sony say no new consoles this year

GAMES CONSOLE MAKERS Microsoft and Sony have announced that they won't launch their next generation Xbox and Playstation this year.

Various rumours have been bouncing around about the next Xbox, thought to be called the 720 following the 360. We expected this to be shown off at this year's E3 gaming conference, but Microsoft said it will not be unveiling a new console this year.

Cedrick Delmas, marketing manager for Xbox in France told Lepoint, "We are in an industry where it talks a lot, it likes to tell stories. I am not convinced that things are happening this year. The cycle of the Xbox 360 is by no means complete."

He added, "The proof we are not at all parties on the logic of price drop this year. After that, it will happen at E3, it is still premature. What is certain is that there will be nothing new in 2012."

Nintendo is set to launch its follow up to the hugely popular Wii this year in the Wii U. However, Microsoft seems happy to give its Japanese rival the stage.

"We are not here to deal with Nintendo and they are not there to fight against other manufacturers. Nintendo has placed itself in a different cycle, they advance at their own pace, successfully as we have seen with the Wii, and now it is their turn to present their innovation," said Delmas.

Sony might also be disappointing visitors to E3 with a lack of new hardware. Its French CEO told Lepoint that it "will probably be the last to announce something". If this is all true then it's all eyes on Nintendo and the Wii U for 2012. µ