It has been long rumored that the next generation of consoles, the Xbox 720 and PS4, are both due in 2013. Now Electronic Arts CEO, John Riccitiello, has heightened this rumor when he stated he expects both consoles to make their debut in 2013. Neither Microsoft nor Sony has said anything up to this point about the new consoles or when gamers can expect to get down and dirty with controllers in hand.

Riccitiello expects the next generation of consoles to bolster Electronic Arts stock price, stating to CNBC that the launch would be a major catalyst for the company. It doesn't appear as if the company has much faith in the Nintendo Wii U as a champion to help boost revenue. Heck, we're not sure if the console is even considered as next gen if the new controller is taken out of the equation.

"A major catalyst going forward, and the most important catalyst going forward is visibility on next-generation console, because that NPD data - that minus 10-25% that you've been seeing - that can and should be reversed out and some point, probably starting next year."

We would not advise you to get your hopes up over what John Riccitiello has to say about the Xbox 720 and PS4. Everything he said are his expectations and not the true intentions of the both Microsoft and Sony. However, since he is CEO of one of the largest video gaming developing company in the world, his expectations could very well hold some merit.

If both the Xbox 720 and PS4 are released in 2013, which would you buy?