Cross your fingers

Video game retailer GameStop has got a lot to say about the PlayStation 4. Hot on the heels of gaffer Tony Bartel’s comments regarding stock shortages yesterday, company executive Michael Hogan has hinted that Sony’s next generation platform is set to launch globally this year. Presumably, that includes Europe.

“We know that Sony will introduce the PlayStation 4 globally in 2013, but we are still waiting to see what Microsoft's final plans are,” he said at a conference call earlier in the week. “We have scenarios with one console introduction, as well as with two. Even a single launch in 2013 will drive double-digit console growth in 2014.”

Robert Loyd, chief financial officer of GameStop, added: “With Grand Theft Auto V and Battlefield 4 releasing in the third quarter, and the PS4 launching in the fourth quarter, we expect a return to growth for the back half of the year.”

Last month, Sony said that it was aiming to release its next generation console in at least one region this year. Of course, it’s not unreasonable to expect one of the world’s largest specialist retailers to be privy to additional information. Do you think that a global launch of the PS4 is feasible? Let us know in the comments section below.

[source xbitlabs.com, via thesixthaxis.com]