It sure as hell worked for PS releasing a year earlier than N64. It just didn't work for Sega, ever.
It also worked even better for PS2 releasing a year ahead of GC.
I don't think it really worked for 360. 360 would have sold only 50 million if it wasn't for Kinect. Kinect is what got 360 to 80+ million not a year early launch.
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” - Bertrand Russell
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
Jimi Hendrix