Source: Asia information technology site DigiTimes.

　　What we heard: Last month, SCEA president Jack Tretton said the PlayStation 3 is "just hitting its stride" and that word of next-generation hardware would not be offered "for some time." Now, a report claims the PlayStation 4 is being readied for release as early as next year. How much longer does the PS3 have?

　　Citing "Taiwan-based component makers," DigiTimes is reporting that production of the PS4 will commence later this year. The report also offers a broad release window for the new system, saying it will be released sometime in 2012.

　　The report did not offer what the PS4 will be capable of in terms of a graphical power, but it did note that the system will boast "movement-based control like Kinect."

　　PS4 units are reportedly being assembled by FoxConn and PegaTron Technology, the tech firms that worked on the PS3. According to the report, at least 20 million PS4 units are being readied to ship next year.

　　If the PS4 does launch in 2012, it will not be the only new system to do so. Nintendo is bringing its new tablet-oriented Wii U to market next year. It follows the Wii, which released in 2006.

　　Microsoft is also reportedly readying a successor to the Xbox 360 for 2012. The latest rumor says Microsoft's new gaming hardware will make its debut at E3 2012, scheduled for June 5-7, 2012.

　　The official story: As of press time, Sony had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment or clarification on the matter.

　　Bogus or not bogus?: Not enough information to tell right now. The five-year console cycle is clearly a thing of the past, but whether or not the PS3 can record the same 10-year staying power of the PlayStation 2 remains to be seen.