I was thinking about the fact the in Japanese the number 4 and the word for death sound the same.  So wouldn't Sony not want to name their next console the PS4? 

"Hey, come play my playstation and die!"

Also, I thought it was considered unlucky.  So it would be as bad or worse than the big X on the Xbox. 

Can anyone with a greater understanding of Japanese culture explain? 

Citation:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Japanese-Culture-2884/number-4-1.htm

"In the Japanese language, the sound for the number 4 and the word "death" are homonyms, meaning that they sound identical. That is why the number 4 is considered unlucky.

So, for example, if you were entertaining someone at your home, you would never offer them four pieces of cake, because that would be like offering them death. Also, you would never present someone with four gifts, again because the recipient would take that to mean that you wish him/her death. The avoidance of the number 4 is so pervasive in Japan that there are many buildings that have no 4th floor (their elevators would list the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors, followed by the 5th floor)."

Four pieces if cake? Damn son can I come to your house?

It would be a nice contrast to Playstation Vita though.

Another word for 4 is used now.

That's why the PS4 won't be called PS4 but I think it should be called PlayStation ORBIS which is the PS4's code name. I actually say Orbis more than PS4 because it make more sence after a wile especially if it has some great PS Vita features or PS Mobile features. Orbis won't be cross compatible with PS3 games so Sony could make a small adapter that will make your PS Orbis work with PS3 games or even PS2 games if it's possible. I don't like the name PS Omni because other devises have the word Omni also PS4 or 4 means death in Japanese I already knew this but PS Orbis makes more sence to me. Also I hope the PS Vita gets cloud saves for PS2 and PS3 games if it works.

It will be called PS4 in NA.

PS4K, problem solved.

The name is PlayStation 4k.

They should call it the Playstation Penis. I'm sure they would rack up some sales.

I am so hoping that BC add on rumor is true