First of all, look at Sony's financial situation. They have their hands full, to put it lightly. Can they really afford to invest in the mass production and marketing of a next gen home console right now? 

It's in their best interest to keep the PS3 going for as long as possible now that it's profitable, and releasing a PS4 would cut a lot of the legs out from under the PS3. (In the tradition of Sony hardware, it won't cut it short completely, but it will steal the wind from its sails somewhat) Luckily for them, the PS3 is still selling quite decently, and still has quite a lot of room for expansion through price cuts to $200 USD and below. (The rumoured super slim would fly off shelves as well) Because of this, they're in a position where they can afford to hold off on next gen.

I often see the argument that letting competitors get a head start is a terrible mistake, but it didn't stop consoles like the SNES, PS2, and Wii not only becoming successful, but outselling their quicker-to-the-market rivals.

In short, there's little incentive for them to launch next year, and the cost is a deterrent, so my bet is we won't see a PS4 until 2014 or later.

EDIT: Post 666. Honestly a coincidence.

Even if they release the PS4 in 2013 the PS3 will still sell well throughout 2013 and 2014 while the PS4 get's it's footing in the market.

Or hell what if Sony pulls off the impossible and sells the PS4 at a profit? I'd want to get that bitch on the shelf as quick as possible.

I'm expecting it Jan 2014. Just at the right time to upset a certain user.

tagging

http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/12/2943015/sony-strategy-meeting

The Playstation brand has, overall, been profitable for Sony. The same can't be said for other areas of the company. They will continue to invest in areas that are most profitable, and this includes gaming. Sony has clearly outlined their main product focuses, so you can expect the PS4 to release at a time that gives them the best chance against the competition. Do you really think that Sony would risk releasing their next console 2 years after the Wii U, and 1 year after Microsoft again? They've also said in the past that they won't be last to the market versus Microsoft, and all signs point to a 2013 release.

Sony doesn't have to release the PS4 at a huge loss, and we have no reason to believe that they haven't learned from the mistakes of the PS3. From what I understand, the Vita was approximately sold 'at cost', and it's possible to do the same for their next home console. Even if it's at a slight loss, the entire Playstation brand can recoup that money through software, digital distribution, etc.

With a slimmer, cheaper PS3, Sony will be able to continue selling this console for profit for a potentially longer period of time than even the PS2. #2 is still selling, incredibly, so imagine an even longer life cycle. This strategy is to shore up the PS3 to sell for the indefinite future. The PS4 will offer things unique to the PS3 that people can only get with the 'latest and greatest'. This will have no effect on sales, and the PS3 and PS4 can sell side-by-side for some time without stealing market share from each other.

If the PS4 doesn't come out in 2013, the Playstation brand will likely lose favor with the general consumer audience. Timing has too much to do with the success of such a big brand. If Sony waits until 2014 or later, then they're pretty much done. I just don't see that happening.

So Sony can announce about 10-15 new products at this years IFA, most costing more than the PS3/Vita currently, a majority of them, like their cell phones and laptops, are mass production items but cannot develop a PS4 in 2013due to their financial situation?

PlayStation related losses is peanuts to Sony compared to their money burning divisions, and has more chances to bring profits in the medium term. Sony are prioritising the gaming division, so it's not in immediate danger.

Should be holidays 2013.

Some people often think Playstation = SONY. They forget that there's a much bigger picture.

Sony releases dozens of products at least as expensive as the launch PS3 every year. Your point?

Or do you want to have your thread tagged for the lolz too? :P