Next-generation Xbox and PlayStation 4 to be announced at this year’s E3 expo

E3 2012 takes place in the Los Angeles Convention Centre

Both the next-generation Xbox and PlayStation 4 are expected to be announced at this year’s E3 gaming expo in Los Angeles, reports MCV. E3 is the flagship expo of the gaming industry and takes place on June 5-7.

Microsoft and Sony will reportedly make their announcements alongside Nintendo, which is already confirmed to demo its new Wii U console. This will be the first time that all three major console makers go head-to-head at such an event and, as Michael French writes, it will also be the first time that “rival console formats will be so directly comparable”.

Nintendo are expected to reveal a console launch date and price details, while Microsoft and Sony are expected to make their respective console announcements without price and launch date specifics.

Merely announcing forthcoming consoles may deter gamers from migrating to the new Wii U console that will launch well in advance of the others.

While Microsoft’s intention to announce the Xbox 360’s successor at E3 has been long-rumoured, Sony’s possible announcement comes as a surprise. Perhaps Sony don’t want Microsoft to get another crucial head-start in the console wars as happened with the launch of the current Xbox – exactly one year ahead of the PS3 in November 2006.