They could really do with a head start, but I don't think they'll get one. Sony are well aware that launching second could hurt their chances at capturing a new generation, so they'll be looking to launch soon too. PS4 will start it's decline and they'll want to fire back at the Switch with a new console. Microsoft can't release too soon after the X so I think they'll be both forced into late 2020 releases. If Microsoft think they can ride the X1X for a year against the PS5 then they are taking a huge gamble and likewise if Sony think they can ride the PS4's popularity against the X2 then they will be risking losing a generation and really having to fight to get it back.

the head start worked well the first time, minus the RROD.

maybe it will again? the x360 had exclusives as well. with the acquisition of the studios hopefully that will be a great system, even at launch. and sony can become more humble which they have lost sitting at the tower.

To be fair, putting both of those side to side could potentially invalidate your point a bit ... I mean ... you do get what you basically just said, right : P ? 

Yeah. I had to put it there before somebody else said "but the Dreamcast". And it's true. It did have the biggest launch ever because it launched before everything else. It just wasn't a big enough leap (arguably), especially compared to what people expected from the PS2.

There's always a lot of other factors at play but usually launching early with power comparable to the generation standard and a good price guarantee success.

They should let PS5 go first. Microsoft then can claim the title of most powerful console once again the year after PS5 lunch. Also, they just released the X recently so it has to be at least 3 years after the lunch of the X for the new XBOX to get a release date

Just the fact that X1X just released makes it very unlikely it’ll release before PS5. And if they do people have every right to complain.

Tbh 360 didn’t sell much better than X1. It was just Sony selling extraordinarily bad last gen, mainly due to a 200 dollar higher price at release.

the ps3 was trash at launch. the games looked like trash and that can be thanked by the cell processor. yeah it got its shit together by the end of the generation with some great games and much better polish.

also where are your numbers to support your "fact"?

You’re on VGChartz, right?

http://www.vgchartz.com/article/272488/xbox-one-vs-xbox-360vgchartz-gap-chartsdecember-2017-update/

PS3 outsold 360 from the first year on btw an even outsold it with one year less in the end.

It all depends on whether MS has exclusive games ready to back up an early release.

If they keep going with cross gen releases, then what's the incentive to buy the new box over an X1X.
If they don't have the flashy exclusives, then what's the incentive to switch over from ps4 pro as multi platform titles will support both gens for the first 2 or 3 years.

Having the most powerful console now makes it a bit more difficult to come out early and wow people with the difference while keeping the price reasonable. Even when both come out at the same time (with roughly same specs), the upgrade from ps4 pro will feel more substantial.

MS can't afford to let Sony go first though.