@pwarbi that's how come I find it strange that Microsoft would announce that it's developing the most powerful console of all time so far away from it's launch date. It gives plenty of time for Sony to come up with something to go against it.
I think that you are right. It's not normal that they launch two consoles in such close succession to one another.I think part of the reason Microsoft made the announcement now was for the fans. So there wouldn't be hard feelings from fans who rushed out and bought the Xone S this year only to have Scorpio hit next year. This way you have all the information and can make a proper decision.