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PS4, 720: CES yields tech details, launch predictions

Baird analyst Colin Sebastian, fresh from his round of CES meetings, has detailed features coming in the next console generation, and has regulated Nintendo to "niche" status for the coming round.

Speaking in an investor email today, the analyst said:

"E3 2013 will be the most important game conference since Y2K," and that "we continue to expect both Sony and Microsoft to host dedicated events before E3 to announce their new platforms."

He added: "New console hardware will borrow from high-end PC components, providing hybrid physical/digital distribution models, enhanced voice controls and motion sensing, broad multi-media capabilities and lower launch price points."

It was rumoured this morning that next-gen machines will launch in the $400 region.

Sebastian said there could be "early production issues with Sony's PS4, which, if accurate, could limit unit shipments or regions at launch."

Nintendo he said, has now shifted "to niche category. Following a somewhat lackluster launch, Nintendo must bring to market major first-party releases and retain third-party support to limit market share losses."

He also said that 2013 is the year Apple and Google take their mobile fight to the TV screen. Difficult financial conditions will affect the traditional market through the rest of this year, he added, but "we expect top-tier games to sell well (eg, GTA V, Call of Duty, Battlefield)."

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Patrick Garratt

Founder & Publisher (Former)

Patrick Garratt is a games media legend - and not just by reputation. He was named as such in the UK's 'Games Media Awards', the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award. After garnering experience on countless gaming magazines, he joined Eurogamer and later split from that brand to create VG247, putting the site on the map with fast, 24-hour a day coverage, and assembling the site's earliest editorial teams. He retired from VG247, and the games industry, in 2017.

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