Sony's gaming division is tracking the growing rumours of a new Microsoft console, with the aim being to release its PlayStation4 as near to it as possible — so there won't be a huge headstart for Microsoft this time around.

PlayStation Europe president Jim Ryan, speaking to Eurogamer, said it would be "undesirable" for the gaming giant to launch a new console "significantly later" than any updated Xbox, to avoid handing Microsoft another huge lead. Sony's clearly hinting that it'd push through a "PlayStation4" announcement as soon as Microsoft fleshes out its plans for a new console.

Microsoft could even announce a new gaming console this January, with the most recent rumours pointing to some form of early hardware or spec announcement at the 2012 CES event. [Eurogamer viz Gizmodo UK]

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