Sony likely to unveil PlayStation 4 on Feb. 20

Release comes after Nntendo lauched Wii U last fall; Microsoft expected to launch Xbox game console at June's E3

Sony is poised to unveil the next PlayStation in New York City on Feb. 20.

The Japanese electronics giant invited journalists to an evening press event. The company has not said what it plans to show off, but signs indicate that it’ll be the PlayStation 4.

Such a console would follow Nintendo’s Wii U, which launched last fall, and precede Microsoft Corp.’s next Xbox game console, which will likely be unveiled in June at the E3 video game conference in Los Angeles.

Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter says it’s a “super smart” move for Sony Corp. to pre-empt Microsoft’s expected launch by several months. This way, the PlayStation 4 will get the spotlight without much competition.

Sony would only say it “will deliver and speak about the future PlayStation business.”