GameStop: Only One Next Gen Console to Release in 2013, One in 2014 - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 04 September 2012 / 9,534 Views
GameStop has began preparing for the next generation of consoles, as well as the increase of new software, via the Verge. In order to get ready they have had to determine the release of the consoles. While the Wii U is launching later this year, the retailer believes will have another couple of years before both Sony and Microsoft release their next generation consoles.
"Well, obviously, the Wii U is going to be the first in line, and we're excited about that launch," said GameStop chief marketing officer Ashley Sheetz. "I think one of the things is, historically we had about five years between console launches, and now it's been seven plus years, so I think people are very anxious to see what's going to come out — it's definitely a long time coming. In terms of marketing support for the Wii U, we think this is the kickoff to the next console cycle. So there's a lot of PR and a lot of buzz that we know Nintendo will be doing, so we're looking for ways to partner with them."
GameStop CEO Paul Raines has commented on the rumors about when Microsoft and Sony will release their next generation consoles. He only expects one consoles to be released in 2013, while another will be released in 2014.
"The Wii U, we expect it at holiday," Raines said. "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."
Despite the release of the next generation consoles, GameStop senior vice president of store operations Mike Dzura has gone on to say that the PlayStation 2 still remains a profit maker in certain territories.
"The PS2 is a unique one — we still generate a whole lot of profit off PS2 sales, but we're going to keep PS2 where PS2 does sell, and we won't put it in stores where we see really lapsed sales. It's somewhat demographic — it's somewhat regional, it is. The heartland of the U.S. tends to catch the wave a little bit later than the coasts to a degree. So we kinda bring it in, and we'll take it out of the stores where the shelves would be better served by next generation product, or they're just small stores where they can't fit it in."
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360 seems more likely in 2013 than PS3 if there's only one to release.
Looking forward to more news on the PS4 out of all the planned console launches, should Sony follow through. Although, I'm still satisfied with playing PS2 games actually because one of the advantages is because of the RPG selection in comparison to its successor.
I can't see the oldest console of the gen being the last to get a re-fresh. But then again perhaps MS believes it's got 18 months of free and clear life in the 360 yet. I'd be more inclined to say Sony would wait until 2014. But remember this is in America. I can see Sony releasing PS4 in Japan in late 2013 and rest of the world in Q1 / 2 of 2014. So GS could be right in that context.
Whatever system releases in 2014....will have a tough time competing. I hope it isn't Sony, but if something releases in 2014, I bet it's the PS4. Oh well, it will be king like the PS1-3 before it, but it will have to wait to sit in it's throne like the PS3 did.....might have to share the throne like PS3 did too.
SecondWar, please use google to check out when they announced launch price and date of Wii compared to when it released.
In case you do not do it, they announced the launch price and date in September and lanuched the console in November. With two major conferences this month, I think what you are saying is a bit premature. Nay - a lot premature. WiiU will be coming out this year.
