Rumor: Microsoft and Sony planning ‘Apple-style’ conferences for Xbox 720, PS4 unveiling in March

A new report, or rumor rather, has raised speculation that Microsoft and Sony could reveal new consoles — presumably the Xbox 720 and PS4, respectively — in late March 2013. The platform holders are expected to hold their own individual "Apple-style" press conferences sometime near the Game Developers Conference.

In the latest issue of GameInformer, the magazine claims "We hear that both Sony and Microsoft are targeting special Apple-style press conferences to unveil their platforms near the Game Developers Conference in late March." GDC takes place in San Francisco between March 25-29, 2013.

The feature goes on to predict that E3 may be the industry's biggest event". However, with both major platform holders planning to unveil their consoles this year, they each want their own limelight; hence, their own separate press conferences beforehand. At E3, the industry's largest trade show, new next-gen games are expected to be announced.

Both the Xbox 720 and PS4 are expected to release at the end of this year — rumors that have been around for quite a while now. E3's unveiling of new next-gen titles could increase hype leading up to a late 2013, early 2014 release.

"We hear that Sony in particular is determined not to come out last this time like the PlayStation 3 did this generation, so we'll have to see how soon it can get the PlayStation 4 out the door, and whether Microsoft is motivated to prevent this from happening," it concludes.

The rumor seems to contradict comments allegedly made by Sony Home Entertainment VP Hiroshi Sakatomi during last week's CES. He acknowledged that Sony was focused on E3, but did say the company could make an announcement as early as in May.

Rumors surrounding the release of the next Xbox or PlayStation console are nothing new. Over the past few months we've heard everything from tech speculation to release date predictions. So it's worth noting that the above could be completely false. As with all rumors, especially with next-gen consoles, take everything with a grain of salt and tread lightly.

[GameInformer]