Sony not looking at "near-future PS4 or next-generation home console"

SCE boss Kaz Hirai has said that PlayStation 4 isn't yet on Sony's radar, saying the focus right now is PS3 and NGP.

Speaking to PC Impress Watch (translated by EG), Hirai said there would be "a new, co-operative partnership" between PS3 and NGP.

"As regards home consoles, the PS3 was put into business in 2006, and it has a 10 year life cycle," Hirai told the site.

"This means that we aren't even at the halfway point. There are certainly many more desirable first and third party titles coming out. As we announce and implement new initiatives on an annual basis, I still believe in the importance of improving the software and feature set of the PS3.

"I think the value of the PS3 will continue to rise. Because of this, a near-future PS4 or next-generation home console is not something that we are even debating now. That is to say, we are still concentrating fully upon the PS3. Right now, I appeal to you to think of the PS3 and NGP as a new, co-operative partnership."

PlayStation 3 will hit its five-year anniversary in Japan and the US in November, but won't hit the milestone in Europe until March 2012.

Sony recently announced NGP - PSP's next-gen successor- at an event in Tokyo at the end of January. It'll release in Japan this holiday season.