Apple Games Console???

[applemike]

I have no proof and this was just a thought, I also didn't know where to put this but here it is...

Apple are launching a new product tomorrow, that much is obvious, however the speculation about the tabet device, although possibly correct, made me think about what else apple could move into or expand upon.

The iPod touch and iPhone have been a pioneer in gaming and personal entertainment. Now that Mr Jobs has been quoted to say they have a new "creation" coming and that "This Will Be The Most Important Thing I've Ever Done." makes me think, could they move into the area of personal home gaming?

A Games console would put them further into contest with microsoft in general and would probably boost revenue, not that they need it after the massive $3.38Billion that they have just announced.

Just a speculation, comment on your thoughts.

Mike

 

[macFan3000]

All they need to launch a Game Console is issue a update + sdk + control (iPhone/iPod touch?) for the tv. Very easy, could be done in 6 months I'm guessing.

 

[cmaier]

Pippin 2?

 

[0098386]

The iPod touch and iPhone have been a pioneer in gaming

They have? Where?
Interface wise the DS was there first for touchscreen gaming (arguably Pocket PC's and the like where there first). The performance was (not sure about now) equivalent to a PSP. It brought us the app store but even the PSP had downloads since launch.
It's still lacking a "killer title" and the current big hitter was already a hit on the DS and PSP before it - Chinatown Wars. So I'm not sure what you mean, unless it's fanboy drivel.

 

[Cboss]

Pippin 2?

Since the first Pippin did so poorly, I don't see them releasing a new gaming system. They don't even put high-end graphics cards into their $1000+ computers. If a gaming console was released, it would have to have something pretty special to beat the Xbox and PS3.

 

[cmaier]

Since the first Pippin did so poorly, I don't see them releasing a new gaming system. They don't even put high-end graphics cards into their $1000+ computers. If a gaming console was released, it would have to have something pretty special to beat the Xbox and PS3.

I agree, though, to be fair, it's been a long time since Pippin, and the world is a very different place.

If they're going to do it someday, my suggestion would be to allow iPhone games to play on Apple TV (perhaps using an iphone or ipod touch as a controller), and start from there.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

I do not see apple doing it. Apple is not willing to sink billions into a very long term investment for it to hope to make profit. Microsoft sunk billions into the Xbox project and even announce back at the very beginning that they hoped for it to start breaking even in 10 years best case and they though it was unlikely.

Apple is all about the short term turn around and will not do something that it can not turn into a profit in less than a year from when it hits the market and things that tkae longer to show fruit they seem to just drop off and not even mess with as proof look at the Apple TV.

I do not see apple sinking the billions + multiple years of losses on it to even start making a little profit on it. Microsoft on the other hand manage to link the computer and the TV really damn well going through the game console market and now I think we are starting to see the fruits of the investment Microsoft made. Now it will be decades before huge profit is made but Microsoft manage to tied the computer and the TV really damn well and a lot of it was threw the Xbox project.

Apple failed to link the 2.

 

[greygray]

iDream.

 

[maflynn]

I don't see it happening.

Too much competition with xbox/ps3/wii too small profit margins, heck the consoles are usually sold at a loss and the games themselves are where the manufacturers hope to make a profit.

Given that game sales are down (for the most part) I don't see apple trying to wedge itself into an already crowded field.

 

[applemike]

Fair enough, it was just a thought, nothing of any real value, just wanted to see what other people thought?

thanks
mike

 

[mysterytramp]

Folks on this thread have made some good points. There's an alternative path available for Apple that's much less expensive, offers low risk and medium to high rewards.

First, buy a gaming company with several established titles. Apple has billions in the bank, so this should be easy.

Second, upgrade the Mac mini to serve as the company's de facto gaming console. That would mean upgrading the unit's video output and possibly adding SD card slots and an HDMI port. It should try to keep the same length and width, if necessary increase its height.

Third, add gaming SDKs to OS X. (Possibly current SDKs are adequate.)

Developing games for the Mac could be a plus for the game companies because they would be able to distribute without having to go through Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo and sell them directly to the consumer. Apple might lose a revenue stream that the other game console companies have, but they'd pick it back up from hardware sales.

mt

 

[applemike]

Folks on this thread have made some good points. There's an alternative path available for Apple that's much less expensive, offers low risk and medium to high rewards.

First, buy a gaming company with several established titles. Apple has billions in the bank, so this should be easy.

Second, upgrade the Mac mini to serve as the company's de facto gaming console. That would mean upgrading the unit's video output and possibly adding SD card slots and an HDMI port. It should try to keep the same length and width, if necessary increase its height.

Third, add gaming SDKs to OS X. (Possibly current SDKs are adequate.)

Developing games for the Mac could be a plus for the game companies because they would be able to distribute without having to go through Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo and sell them directly to the consumer. Apple might lose a revenue stream that the other game console companies have, but they'd pick it back up from hardware sales.

mt

Thats a hell of a good idea, Either convert the mini or the apple TV into something of a gaming device aswell as what it is, proveide something in the way of steam, so consumers can buy games in store, or they can have iGames where people can download them and install them on their "consoles"

Mike

 

[iWoz]

It would make the gaming market very competitive, Im happy with Apple just focusing on mobile devices and computers!