Speaking with GameSpot, the analyst said due to the "complexity" of coordinating the launches, "it is more likely than not that there will be initial shortages."

"This also partly explains why the manufacturers have been somewhat judicious is allocating pre-sale units to retailers, so that there won't be a lot of unhappy customers from day one," Sebastian said.

As for which platform will debut on the market first, Sebastian didn't have a projection to give, but said the system that does go first will enjoy some advantages.

"From a timing perspective, both platforms will want to launch before Thanksgiving/Black Friday, and ideally at least a couple of weeks in advance of that in order to replenish the retail channel," Sebastian said.

"In terms of who goes first, it would be certainly be ideal to launch first, and gain all of the initial attention and momentum, as console launches are really the only equivalent of a 'red carpet' event for the industry," he added.

The is confirmed only for holiday 2013.

Expectations for both systems are high, with Ubisoft saying yesterday that some retailers have .

Representatives for Sterne Agee and Cowen & Company could not be reached for comment on Xbox One and PS4 releasing timing, while analysts at Wedbush Securities and EEDAR declined to comment.

From: www.gamespot.com

"Clearly, Sony is emerging from E3 on stronger footing, contrasting the PS4 against the more pricey Xbox One," Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian said in a note to investors today.

Sebastian pointed out that the PS4 is currently outselling the Xbox One on Amazon and GameStop, but said that if Sony wants to maintain its edge, it must "engage gamers proactively" with new software announcements.

Concerning the Xbox One, Sebastian said sentiment surrounding the platform is "mixed," due in part to backlash over its .

Microsoft's Xbox One will , but the company may offer alternative pricing options, Sebastian said, referring to subsidized models.

"Also, with Microsoft positioning Xbox One as a premium entertainment hub, we believe there is still an opportunity to salvage the launch, for example, through alternative pricing plans," he said.

Earlier this week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer suggested that Microsoft was considering leveraging its paid Xbox Live service to "meet consumer price points."

"The nice thing about Xbox Live is consumers do see value in it; they continue to sign up; they continue to grow," Spencer said. "And I think that diversity of business models to both meet consumer price points and different services that they're integrating their Xbox experience with is something that we definitely look at."

Sony is also exploring ".

The Xbox One and PS4 will both launch later this year.

From: www.gamespot.com

Microsoft shared for the Xbox One during its reveal event on Tuesday, but pricing for the system was not among them.

Sebastian said he believes Microsoft will subsidize the Xbox One, potentially through partnerships with media companies like Comcast, but did not provide a price point estimation.

Microsoft specifically name-dropped Comcast during its demonstration of how the Xbox One can stream live television this week. In addition, a is currently available. However, no new partnerships from the companies have been announced.

Not all agree that Microsoft will offer a subsidized Xbox One. Noted Windows blogger Paul Thurrott said earlier this week that .

Microsoft currently offers a subsidized Xbox 360 through its official stores. Gamers can grab a system for if they commit to a two-year Xbox Live Gold subscription at a cost of $15 per month.

According to comments from GameStop management, the Xbox One will .

From: www.gamespot.com

No information regarding the exact date or venue of the rumored announcement was divulged.

A suggested Microsoft would announce the new platform during a one-off media event later this month.

A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don't have anything further to share at this time."

Though Microsoft has not officially spoken about the Xbox 720, speculation about the platform has not been lacking. GameStop CEO recently said the console is a "," adding that the "world is going to stand up and take notice" when Microsoft finally shares details about the system.

According to past reports, the Xbox 720 may , among other features.

Microsoft has previously .

From: www.gamespot.com