Gamers across the globe are eagerly waiting for the release of the upcoming Sony gaming console PlayStation 4 (PS4). The Japanese company announced that the console will debut in the later part of 2013 and there have been fears that the console will not make it to all parts of the world in 2013; however, retailer GameStop says that PS4 will make a global debut in 2013.

"We know that Sony will introduce the PlayStation 4 globally in 2013, but we are still waiting to see what Microsoft's final plans are," Michael Hogan, executive vice president of strategy business and brand development at GameStop, said.

Sony is reportedly set to begin production of PS4 in August 2013 and is expected to ship up to 16 million units of the console in 2013.

Sony has announced that the PS4 will arrive in 2013 but has not confirmed that all regions will get the console at the same time. Historically, Sony gaming consoles arrived in Japan and North America first followed by European countries and then a release in India delayed by a few months. However, Hogan indicates that several European countries, as well as India will see the gaming console hit the shelves in 2013.

"Even a single launch in 2013 will drive double-digit console growth in 2014; and two launches would likely drive the console category north of 20% growth," Hogan predicts.

Gamers all over the world had to wait for a long time as the predecessor of PS4, the PlayStation 3 (PS3), was launched in November 2006.

The PS3 has attracted many gamers but at the same time faces stiff competition from rivals Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Market observers are speculating that the next-generation Xbox will soon make its appearance and the Nintendo Wii U has already made its way to shelves.

The wait for gamers has not finished as there are still two full quarters before they can lay their hands on the PS4.