Analyst predicts 11 million next-gen console sales by 2014

Over 11 million next-generation consoles will have been sold by the end of 2014, according to EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich.

The figures include both Sony and Microsoft's next-gen hardware, which Divnich is predicting to do fairly well before the end of next year.

"EEDAR is forecasting over 11 million consumers to transition to the next-generation by the end of 2014 (PS4 and Xbox)," said Divnich.

"By the end of 2017, this will balloon to over 50 million consumers, all willing to spend money to consume quality content."

The figures might seem a bit far-fetched considering Microsoft hasn't even announced its plans for the next-generation yet.

Sony revealed the PlayStation 4 during a special event in February, giving the console a release date of "Holiday 2013", but no regions were mentioned.

Elsewhere Divnich believes it will be important for platform holders to support developers, and Sony is taking a step in the right direction.

"Sony's recent press coverage represents an important change that could make consoles a thriving market place for independent developers," he added.

"It's expected that the next generation of consoles will have connectivity rates in excess of 85% and Sony has already shown a new direction in terms of developer support that bodes well to create new experiences for this industry."