Sony CEO, Kaz Hirai has said in an interview, 'Why go first, when your competitors can look at your specifications and come up with something better?' Keeping this strategy in mind, Sony plans to launch the next generation PlayStation, the PS4 after the competition Microsoft launches the next generation Xbox.
This strategy doesn’t seem to be perfect and it looks like Sony is the one that wants to see what the competition has to offer. As the next generation console launch is just around the corner, its doubtful that any major changes can be made to the hardware at the last minute.
Sony had the first mover’s advantage with the launch of the original PlayStation over the N64 and that paid off extremely well. Even with the PS2, Sony nailed the launch when compared to the competition. The Xbox 360 however was launched a year before the PS3 and at a cheaper price tag giving it the first mover's advantage. So, why would Sony lack confidence and give the competition the first movers advantage?
We think this has more to do with the pricing of the consoles than anything else. Sony really messed up with the pricing of the PS3 when it launched.
Nintendo already has the first mover’s advantage with the launch of the Wii U. But the console isn’t selling like hot cakes. Maybe because the current generation still has a large and more awesome library of games and a touchscreen mounted with a controller doesn’t seem that revolutionary upgrade to many. Not as revolutionary as the original Wii was anyways.
GDC is happening in March and we think that is where Sony and Microsoft will give the world the first glimpse of their next generation home consoles. We think the pricing and launch details will be reserved forE3 2013, which will happen later this year.
What do you think? Does the first mover’s advantage still hold true in today’s gaming market?