Sony: No PlayStation 4 announcement at E3

Contrary to recent rumors, Sony will not announce a new console at this year’s E3, according to Sony Computer Entertainment president and Group CEO Andrew House.

Speaking to CVG at Japan’s December PlayStation Vita launch event, House said, “I don’t think we’re contemplating talking about anything to do with future console iterations at this point.

“But one thing I always point to is that, somewhat in contrast to our major competitors, we have, particularly with PS2, managed the length of the lifecycle and ensured its profitability for our publishing partners for a much longer lifecycle than has been true of the competition.

“I would say that’s in part because of the global reach of Sony from a distribution, infrastructure and marketing standpoint. Because in many markets, we work alongside really long-standing, established operations in electronics, we’re able to migrate out into rather more emerging markets much more easily and sustainably than is possible for some of our competitors.”

Speaking during a roundtable discussion with reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show today, Sony Corp. Representative Corporate Executive Officer and Executive Deputy President Kaz Hirai reaffirmed House’s statements.

“Andy (House) is absolutely right in that we are not making any announcements at E3,” Hirai said. “I’ve always said a 10-year life cycle for PS3, and there is no reason to go away from that.”

If Sony sticks to its word, the earliest we should be able to purchase a PlayStation 4 is in 2016.