Reliable analyst predicted next-generation Sony PlayStation 5 could arrive in late 2018

Sony's much awaited, next-generation console, PlayStation 5, is now being predicted to come out to the market sometime later in 2018.

According to Macquarie Capital Securities analyst, Damian Thong, the Sony PlayStation 5 is being likely expected to come out in the second half of 2018, as reported by The Washington Journal. To some who do not know, Thong was the analyst who accurately predicted the PlayStation 4 Slim and PlayStation 4 Pro variants.

The reason why Sony will most likely launch the next-generation console, as what Thong pointed out, was due to the tight competition between other gaming console manufacturers, mainly Nintendo and Microsoft. The former has already released its current-generation gaming unit to the market, the Nintendo Switch, while the latter is scheduled to unveil its next-gen platform, dubbed Xbox Project Scorpio, later in 2017.

Because this is a next-generation console, tech enthusiasts couldn't help but expect to see highly improved components underneath the unit. Forbes reported that the PlayStation 5 could easily handle 4K resolution while maintaining smooth frame rates if Sony incorporates faster processor, graphics processing units (GPU), memory and even storage.

However, some tech enthusiasts believe that Sony may not actually go with the late 2018 release for the PlayStation 5. Tom's Guide reported that the Japanese company has already sold close to 60 million units of the PlayStation 4 while Microsoft, based on the estimation, only shipped 26 million units of Xbox One to date.

Because of these numbers, Sony is not likely in a rush to launch a new console into the market considering its current lead against the Redmond-based tech giant.

Despite the compelling possibility of Thong's prediction - and his track record - fans are still being advised to keep an open-mind for the time being. Since Sony is very much unlikely to confirm or deny the recent claims, it's best to take this one with a tiny pinch of salt and consider it as nothing more than a speculation.