PS4, 720: CES yields tech details, launch predictions

Baird analyst Colin Sebastian, fresh from his round of CES meetings, has detailed features coming in the next console generation, and has regulated Nintendo to "niche" status for the coming round.

Speaking in an investor email today, the analyst said:

"E3 2013 will be the most important game conference since Y2K," and that "we continue to expect both Sony and Microsoft to host dedicated events before E3 to announce their new platforms."

He added: "New console hardware will borrow from high-end PC components, providing hybrid physical/digital distribution models, enhanced voice controls and motion sensing, broad multi-media capabilities and lower launch price points."

It was rumoured this morning that next-gen machines will launch in the $400 region.

Sebastian said there could be "early production issues with Sony's PS4, which, if accurate, could limit unit shipments or regions at launch."

Nintendo he said, has now shifted "to niche category. Following a somewhat lackluster launch, Nintendo must bring to market major first-party releases and retain third-party support to limit market share losses."

He also said that 2013 is the year Apple and Google take their mobile fight to the TV screen. Difficult financial conditions will affect the traditional market through the rest of this year, he added, but "we expect top-tier games to sell well (eg, GTA V, Call of Duty, Battlefield)."