The race to release the next generation of games consoles is upon us, with rumors starting to circulate about the Wii U, PlayStation 4 and even the Xbox 720. These consoles from Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft should offer the latest and greatest when it comes to gaming technology, helping consoles to catch up to the recent improvements in PC specs. The question that plagues us all of course, is when can we expect to see these gaming masterpieces hitting the shelves of the high street?! With hands around the globe itching to get their hands on the latest in the gaming world, and credit cards primed and ready to take the hit, we thought we'd look into those all important release dates for you.

The Wii U

There's no denying which of the big three consoles is going to be on sale first. The Wii U, complete with its novel controller featuring an inbuilt 6.2-inch screen, microphone, accelerometer, camera, stylus and more, has already been shown off at some gaming conventions such as E3 and GamesCom. This is more than can be said for Sony or Microsoft who, as yet, has kept the door firmly closed on information about their updated consoles.

Despite the information that Nintendo has released however, they are still holding tightly to that all important release date, not to mention the actual price that we can expect these fancy new controllers and high-definition (finally) console to retail at. Don't panic! If the Wii is your console of choice you won't have too long to wait! Nintendo might not have giving a specific date, but they have certainly hinted that the Wii U will be available to purchase in 2012. It won't be until 2012 that we know the exact date and cost of this console, but we know for sure that Nintendo's Wii U will be the next big console to find its way into our homes, potentially in the spring or summer of 2012.

The PlayStation 4

Sony fanboys (and girls) around the globe have been eagerly awaiting more news from Sony regarding the release of the PlayStation 4. Particularly after a rumor started flying around regarding a release for this next generation console in the year 2012. Unfortunately Sony Computer Entertainment CEO, Jim Ryan, publicly refuted those claims during this year's GamesCom in Cologne, Germany. As it seems that many modern games have only just started to scratch the surface of what the PS4's predecessor, the PlayStation 3, can offer, it's hardly surprising that Sony would wish to pour some additional marketing effort into their existing marketplace entry.

Despite that, there is undeniably an altogether more powerful and exciting console currently in development by Sony, it is just likely to be some time before a specific and accurate release date for it comes to light. The recent reduction in cost of the PS3 has renewed the interest in this console, so we expect it could be 2013, if not later than this, before we see the PlayStation 4 up for sale. All eyes will be turned to E3 and GamesCom in 2012 to hear the latest news from Sony.

The Xbox '720'

Of all of the mystery surrounding all of these new games consoles, it is the Xbox 720 that perhaps holds the most intrigue. After all, we already know the next Nintendo console will be the Wii U and that Sony's next offering is all-but-certain to follow previous naming conventions to become the PlayStation 4. But as for the Xbox? We can only assume that the newest console from Microsoft will be dubbed the Xbox 720 based on internet rumors; it will be some time before we know for sure.

Microsoft is a company that favors secrecy when it comes to their development of new technologies. However we do know that the company has recently been expanding its Console Architecture team, looking to hire fresh meat to be responsible for delivering the next generation of console architecture. Although the Xbox 360 is destined for a 10-year lifecycle according to the Xbox team (technically taking us up to 2015), we also know that the Microsoft manufacturers are planning an overlap between the two consoles. As such, we predict a release date in 2013-14.

So there we have it! Keep your eyes and ears peeled in 2012, particularly when it comes to June and the next E3 conference, for the latest updates on the release dates of your own favorite next generation console.

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