In the long term there will be a lot more things that determine how PS4 sells. However, getting it out ahead of the late October - early January sales rush is very important. I think that a major reason why PS2 got off to such a hot start was the October 26th launch in the US. It gave it time to build up awareness, and perform better thoughout its first holiday.
To me part of the reason 360, PS3, and WiiU got off to so slow of starts is due to launching to late into the rush. Launching on Black friday week just seems like a major disadvantage. Why would you launch on the week that every competing device is going to have its best offer of the year?
My hope is that Sony and Microsoft will have these consoles ready by late September - early October. I think that would give gen 8 the best possible start, and lead to a much healthier ecosystem. Like the OP said, the more people with next gen consoles, means more friends wanting to make sure they have the console to play together. That sounds like better sales late 2013 = better sales all of 2014.
Stop hate, let others live the life they were given. Everyone has their problems, and no one should have to feel ashamed for the way they were born. Be proud of who you are, encourage others to be proud of themselves. Learn, research, absorb everything around you. Nothing is meaningless, a purpose is placed on everything no matter how you perceive it. Discover how to love, and share that love with everything that you encounter. Help make existence a beautiful thing.
Kevyn B Grams
10/03/2010
KBG29 on PSN&XBL
