Apple getting into gaming consoles? The idea has been around for a while, but the supporting evidence seems to be growing. Start with the rumoured take-over of Electronic Arts. Move into the fact that the company has filed patents for games platforms.
Add in the fact that it's got $29 billion in the bank, not doing much other than gaining interest.
$29b in the bank, after it acquired chip-design company PA Semi. That is on top of employing the designer of the Game Cube's GPU, Bob Drebin from AMD. And that is after it snuck IBM vice president, Mark Papermaster over to lead its iPod and iPhone hardware design team.
Certainly, right now these are simply facts being held together by the glue of speculation and the wireframe of rumour... but it would certainly shake up the currently complacent, sequel-driven, 'are we casual or are we not' market.
Add in the fact that it's got $29 billion in the bank, not doing much other than gaining interest.
$29b in the bank, after it acquired chip-design company PA Semi. That is on top of employing the designer of the Game Cube's GPU, Bob Drebin from AMD. And that is after it snuck IBM vice president, Mark Papermaster over to lead its iPod and iPhone hardware design team.
Certainly, right now these are simply facts being held together by the glue of speculation and the wireframe of rumour... but it would certainly shake up the currently complacent, sequel-driven, 'are we casual or are we not' market.
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Comments
deleted 7 May 2009 11:35
1/9
we all know the console market doesnt work well with four home consoles as the past has shown, whos going to fall out of it?
Kiro - 32X 7 May 2009 13:29
2/9
Ahh the Apple Pippin 2 i hear?
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Erik Sherman 7 May 2009 16:49
3/9
Thanks for the reference to my BNET piece on Apple's gaming patents. I still think that the EA takeover rumor is mostly smoke. If you think about it for a moment, the company depends greatly on the PC market. I don't see Apple acquiring EA just for the development talent and properties and throwing away much of the revenue. That would get their investors howling, I think, and doing something to even indirectly support Microsoft would set management howling. However, they do have all that cash, so why not start acquiring some of the iPhone-oriented game developers for the talent and then turning them loose on something new?
Joji 7 May 2009 19:40
4/9
Interesting thought. Could the market cope with Apple too? The iPhone/Touch are doing well already considering, but Apple expanding beyond that would possibly be a bit much, unless Apple can deliver something unique to their possible system.
With DSi out, and PSP Go! on the way, I'd be surprised if Apple put out another hand held device.
With DSi out, and PSP Go! on the way, I'd be surprised if Apple put out another hand held device.
Im 8 May 2009 08:37
5/9
@Kiro_- 32X
That would be the iPippin f'sure!
That would be the iPippin f'sure!
DoctorDee 8 May 2009 08:41
6/9
If Apple makes a games console, I'd definitely buy it.
But then, that's EXACTLY what I said about them making a home media server, except of course, I used the phrase "home media server" instead of "games console". But when they brought out the Apple TV, I stood on unimpressed. It was too expensive, didn't have a web browser, wasn't DNLA capable, and wasn't HD. And it was too expensive. So I didn't buy it - and I usually buy everything Apple makes.
Then they brought out the iPhone and changed my life. So if they bring out a games console, and don't completely f**k it up, I'll definitely buy it.
Maybe what I'm trying to say is if Apple brings out a games console, I might buy it.
But then, that's EXACTLY what I said about them making a home media server, except of course, I used the phrase "home media server" instead of "games console". But when they brought out the Apple TV, I stood on unimpressed. It was too expensive, didn't have a web browser, wasn't DNLA capable, and wasn't HD. And it was too expensive. So I didn't buy it - and I usually buy everything Apple makes.
Then they brought out the iPhone and changed my life. So if they bring out a games console, and don't completely f**k it up, I'll definitely buy it.
Maybe what I'm trying to say is if Apple brings out a games console, I might buy it.
TimSpong 8 May 2009 08:53
7/9
Erik Sherman wrote:
Thanks for the ref...
Hi Erik, yes, I'm dubious about the idea myself. However, after some discussion around the office (and referencing useful pieces such as yours) it became apparent that Apple is going to take more than a passing interest in gaming. I'd see it taking on PSP and DS, however, rather than confronting Wii, 360 and PS3.
Cheers
Tim
headcasephil 8 May 2009 09:01
8/9
H 9 May 2009 14:29
9/9
Notice there has been talk of Intel getting close to console design wins for their new massive parallel CPU/GPU initiative. Remember that Steve Jobs flatly turned down the Playstation CELL and went Intel. Wherever Apple is looking at it or not, somebody else maybe, because it was not just a single company.