While we understand that the Playstation 4 will be available in North America and Europe in 2013, it is now clear that Sony plan to launch their new home console simultaneously for India as well. Speaking with Indian Video Gamer, the company’s country manager for the region Atindriya Bose claims that the hardware will be available in 2013, ‘give or take a bit’.
“It will be matched with the European launch; give or take a bit to account for Indian logistics. The consoles have to be shipped in advance and currently all consoles also require certification for the India market. In terms of targeting, we’re looking to synchronise with the European launch.” Bose also added that the maximum window between the continental launches, “One month at most, unless there is an issue at the certification level.”
The way in which Bose describes the one month window hints that a November release for Playstation 4 in Europe and North America may well be on the cards – in fact, rumours have previously suggested that date to be November 13th. Ultimately, though, it’s clear the company are collating their worldwide resources to ensure the Playstation 4 will be available in as many markets as possible before the end of 2013. After all, Sony guaranteed that the Playstation Vita was available for the Indian populace in tandem with its release in Europe and U.S. of A back in 2012.
Not only does this offer Indian consumers a gaming avenue into the next generation, it will also present a significant head-start for Sony should Microsoft remain true to their word and launch the Xbox One in late 2014 in the country. However, while it isn’t set in stone just yet, it seems as though the Xbox One is poised to rush out of the gate first and foremost in North America and Europe – industry murmurs have suggested a full two weeks before Playstation 4 – other than that, though, both consoles are still tagged with a transient ‘Holiday 2013’ release date.
What do you think of Sony’s comprehensive launch strategy for Playstation 4? Would you hedge a bet to say that the Xbox One will launch first in Europe and North America? Give us your thoughts below.