An unconventional rumor on Monday has Sony being much closer to the release of the PlayStation 4 than once thought. Foxconn and Pegatron would reportedly start production in late 2011 with the expectation of a launch sometime in 2012. The system described by Digitimes‘ supply chain sources would copy Microsoft and introduce a Kinect-style full body control system.
The exact release schedule hasn’t been detailed but would have 20 million systems ship in 2012.
Accuracy for such a rumor is uncertain. Sony has publicly insisted that the PS3 was just hitting its peak and has tried to downplay the hint of a future system. Historically, however, Sony has regularly denied new console models or other plans only to confirm them weeks or months later.
Sony has given few clues as to its plans but has started dropping the earliest clues as to its plans. The PS4 is still likely to have an optical drive both because of the sheer size of games but also to appease game retailers.
A full-body controller would be unusual and casts doubt on the rumor, since Sony already has PlayStation Move.
