Xbox 720 - Microsoft could delay launch "until spring 2014," says Pachter

With industry analysts, retailers, and publishers expecting next generation consoles to release next year at the earliest, Wedbush's Michael Pachter believes 2014 is more likely. At least for the next-Xbox.

Speaking in an industry note, Pachter said he expects Microsoft to wait until spring 2014 to release the next-Xbox.

"We still have no indication of specs, timing or pricing for the Wii U, which is slated to launch some time before year-end, but Nintendo will announce a launch date and price next week, with a price point of $299 - 349 likely," he wrote.

"We have heard no word yet from Microsoft or Sony about their plans to launch new consoles, but both manufacturers are widely expected to launch consoles by year-end 2013.

"Although we believe that Microsoft could delay a new console launch until spring of 2014 in order to accommodate what is certain to be overwhelming demand among hardcore gamers."

Neither Sony nor Microsoft have confirmed if either console is in the works, but there have been enough thinly veiled hints and document leaks over the last few months to support development.