SINGAPORE - Sony today announced the launch date for their long-awaited successor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 4 (PS4). It will be launched on Nov 15 in North America, and Nov 29 in Europe and Latin America. However, one piece of information was missing in the midst of all that: Whither the Asian release dates? While the Asia-Pacific region has traditionally received the short-end of the stick despite being one of the fastest growing gaming markets in the world, for Sony to leave out home country Japan seems absolutely shocking. It's hard to understand what the gaming press in Japan are saying about being left out (Japanese gaming site Famitsu posted it as a straight news piece, and the comments on the page seem far from livid, with most just asking about the Japanese release date), gamers on the PlayStation Asia Facebook page sounded resigned to getting it next year, while gamers on local gaming store Gamescore's Facebook page were trying to see if they could pre-order their sets from the United States. But there is still a chance of good news: It sounds like Sony still has a chance to announce something for the Asia-Pacific at the Tokyo Game Show (TGS), which is scheduled for Sept 19 to 22, and Famitsu has said that Sony will be holding a TGS-related press-conference on Sept 9. That said, SCE Chief Executive Andrew House did say that the PS4 will be available in 32 countries worldwide during the holiday season - which some have taken to imply that only 32 countries will get it this holiday season, leaving out Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries like Singapore. Meanwhile, Microsoft has earlier said that the Xbox One will be delayed till 2014 for the region. Before you write a strongly-worded letter to both Sony and Microsoft, there might still be a glimmer of hope - at least if you're a PS4 fan. When asked about an Asia-Pacific launch (and specifically for Singapore), a spokesperson refused to comment, but also added that we should "sit tight". So while you hold on tightly to your chair of choice, it's also a good reminder that a Sony representitive did say that we would "hear the good news soon" back at E3 in June. And if you're a Microsoft fan? I hear patience is a virtue ...