GameStop Expects Next-Gen Consoles in 2013 and 2014

Large video game retailer GameStop has shared its thoughts about the next generation of video game consoles, ranging from the upcoming Nintendo Wii U to the oft-rumored PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720, confirming that, at least based on its own sources, the next PlayStation and Xbox won’t appear at the same time in 2013.

Next-generation consoles have been awaited for quite some time and, while both Sony and Microsoft are bragging about the longevity of their current devices, it’s a safe bet that new platforms will be revealed and even launched next year.

That might not be true, at least according to large retailer GameStop, as the company says that its recent rumors mention one next-gen console is coming in 2013 and another will appear in 2014, besides this year’s Wii U.

"The Wii U, we expect it at holiday," GameStop CEO Paul Raines told Polygon. "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."

Until something official appears, however, GameStop is ramping up efforts ahead of the upcoming Nintendo Wii U home console, as it’s already exploring ways of partnering with the Japanese company to ensure a successful launch.

"The Wii U is going to be the first in line, and we're excited about that launch," GameStop’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ashley Sheetz, said. "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."

Nintendo has yet to reveal a concrete release date or a price for the Wii U.