3 Reasons an Apple Game Console Might Happen Sooner Than You Think

VGW: Apple has just hired Robin Burrowes, a man who spent the last seven years leading the marketing efforts of Xbox Live. Right now, Burrowes’ official role with Apple is heading up the marketing of the iOS App Store in Europe, but there is reason to believe the company may have its sights set on entering the game console race. And when they do, here is why they'll succeed.

[fluffydelusions]

I hate to even think about Apple getting into the console market...
- Console - $1000
- Apple specific headset - $100
- Controller - $100 each plus it would probably connect via that shitty iOS proprietary USB connector

[killyourfm]

...and 100 million people will still buy it.#Sheep

[Controversy]

I have zero interest in an Apple Console.

[HammockGames]

@ killyourfm

I believe the term you're looking for is "Sheople"

My main problem with Apple: too little bang for too many bucks
(and you can bet they'd apply that same formula to a console)

[Ron_Danger]

Hipsters gotta game on something I guess... :-P

[Ron_Danger]

Hipsters gotta game on something I guess...

[gigreen]

Can I borrow your time machine?

Newsflash: the Apple target audience aren't people who would spend $1000 on a gaming console.

[HardCover]

Their target audience is whoever they want it to be. It's Apple's marketing we're talking about here, after all....

[kevnb]

it would probably be around 400-500, but actually be built to last more than a year.

[Liquid_Ocelot]

I'd hate to see a console or whatever stupid thing they try to make it look/sound like.. you know, since they're *always* reinventing the world with their innovative creations -_-

Maybe that'd get us PS3 fanboys and Xbox 360 fanboys and Wii fanboys(the worst of them all!! lol) together and we'd beat the shit out of Apple fanboys once and for all >:D

Please excuse my English.

[Pikajew]

Apple has to remember the console crowd is different than the iPad crowd. People who want to get into PC gaming don't get a Mac they get a gaming PC. People who want a handheld get something made by Nintendo or Sony

And they won't have any exclusive because any thing that can be done on the iPad can be done on the Wii U and PS3 with the Vita

[killyourfm]

It may not be a PS/Xbox killer, but yes it could stop Nintendo in their tracks.

As for exclusives, before you dismiss them, go ask the AAA publishers how many $millions they're making on the App Store? :D

[Baka-akaB]

only someone with nintendo's level of appealing content would be able to stop nintendo in their tracks .

Wich no ones has . (i'm talking about appeal and sales here nothing else) .

Nintendo is basically the only one who could get away with releasing a crappy console ( not claiming they ever did , before some fans lynch mob me) and knowing people would still follow them for their games

[Pikajew]

What AAA publishers?

[kevnb]

actually there isnt a huge amount of money in app store games. Its why activision hasnt even bothered. Of course there is angry birds, but that was a fluke.

[BrianShea]

@Pikajew EA, for starters.

@kevnb Activision did venture in with CoD and Guitar Hero stuff.

[jony_dols]

Quality content does not always equals sales.

The N64 only sold 32 million units whilst the Gamecube shifted 21 million.
Both had great games, both failed to live up to sales expectations.

Many factors contribute to the commercial success of a console.

[gigreen]

Gaming has changed...

/David Hayter voice

What you're describing might be the case for seasoned, conservative gamers.

The new generation however is very open minded when it comes to gaming on the iPhone or iPad. They grew up with these things so they are used to it and don't mind the controls.

IOS / Android / Facebook gaming is the future.

[yabhero]

I laugh out loud when people compare the ps3 vita palor trick with the WiiU which will have a dedicated controller which games are designed for and with better graphics than ps3... The vita ps3 thing has almost no affect on wiiu

[Liquid_Ocelot]

Wow, you're really OFF topic man.. drop the hate for a minute and go grab a snack or something and smile for one, seriously.
I can't believe I wasted a bubble on this bs.

[Edit]
I didn't disagree with you.
Also, don't let fanboys get to you. If they think PS Vita/Wii U/or whatever it might be is the future let them be wrong. Don't let it ruin your day, seems that what people only cares about these days.. ruining other people.

[MGRogue2017]

Oh.. Shut up! lol.. Apple isn't making a console. They only specialize in handheld & MacBook / iMacs devices.

Keep dreaming...

@ below, Yeah.. but that's Microsoft though, they aspire to rule teh whole world. Apple seems to be okay with how it is today with it's iPhones & iApple stuff..

[h311rais3r]

And until 2001 Microsoft focused on software.

[Jobesy]

@ enkeixpress, once upon a time Apple didn't make phones either, now they have the #1 selling phones. Apple is only after 1 thing and 1 thing only, our money. If they see there can be profit to be had they'll do it. Especially now the Steve Jobs is gone they might try to go in new directions. Don't underestimate Apple, they have the resources to do a lot. And it wouldn't be just a game console imo, it would probably be a media hub as well.

[gamingdroid]

I agree that Apple is out after money (what company isn't?), and they have disrupted several markets including mp3 portable player, cell phones and lately tablet market.

That said, I don't think Apple wants to be in the console space. They want in on the general TV entertainment space (alas media hub) that MS is going after now and Sony tried, but seemed to back off.

That is a different market than console gaming, and until technology is so good that we don't care about graphical differences any more and the cost of such technology is cheap... I don't think Apple will be threat. I think we have one more console generation before that happens.

[HardCover]

Oh shut up. You don't know what you're talking about.

[gnb2003]

Yeah, other than the fact, you know, they already did try...

...Pippen...

[theeg]

if apple were going to release their console, their window is SHRINKING for optimal launch, the Wii u will be out soon and a new Xbox in less than 9 months, so, if they are going to do something, before e3 when the Nextbox is announced would be the time.

otherwise, halo 4 vs angry birds 2, i know what i'd buy,

wait, who am i kidding, the apple console will outsell the ps4 and nextbox 3 to 1 most likely, why?

because people SUCK, thats why, and their taste is terrible.

[BrianShea]

Just remember: Apple has a history of announcing products pretty shortly before launch.

[gamingdroid]

AAA large budget games takes at least 18-months to make and that is with known hardware and usually applies to sequels.

It's pretty safe to say that if Apple would release a console in the next 1-2 years, it would be more for casual games like Angry Bird....

It takes a few months to make a casual game like Angry Bird.

[leogets]

bro there aint guna be a next box for a while yet. dont know who told you this.

[tehpees3]

In order for Apple to even think about competing they need their own studios and IPs at the ready.

[Apex13]

firstly, they hired the marketing guy for XBL, which does not = making a console.

and to be honest, bar apps what else will apple bring to the market to stand out?

I love Apple but even I would not champion an Apple games console.

[specialguest]

When I think of consoles, I think of traditional dedicated gaming devices. At the rate Apple continues to evolve with creating new gaming markets(mobile & tablet), entering the console race seems like a step backwards for Apple.

I don't believe Apple will create a gaming console. Instead, they'll probably just focus on expanding their strong grip on the tablet/mobile industry and possibly force the gaming industry to evolve to their trend settings.

[Mr Tretton]

Apple will create a console when one of the big three goes out of business. There is just no room for them right now.

[No FanS Land]

true that, but this kind of market is an olygopoly, meaning it's gonna be really hard for one of the big 3 to go out.

[josephayal]

Take my money Apple

[No FanS Land]

It's as if the market wants apple to get in the race. How many articles have we seen yet on this? Apple Could very well never want to get into decicated gaming, as a gaming console might be too sophisticated for Apple's Philosophy.

Last time apple tried dedicated gaming (with the apple pippin) it was an utter failure, however it was marketed under john Sculley as Apple's ceo and not Steve jobs, he was actually fired during that time, circa 1986-1996.

During the time Sculley Ran Apple, they acted as followers, ho there's a market for that, let's go in it, it's as if Apple never knew about the many companies that invested during the 2nd generation, the gen that had the video game crash.

Now Apple under Steve Jobs Again became the market, standard starter, being the influent force and not the follower.

With Tim cook being personnaly chosen by Jobs, I think he was confident he was going to stay in that direction.

Apple has surely marked a cross over dedicated gaming as they know they cannot wow the people and will be perceived as a follower again.

[KontryBoy706]

I doubt this will ever happen. They are fine with their iDevices and the attention and sales they have gotten for that. they wouldn't enter the market in the gaming industry to have to then make exclusives etc. it's not needed for them.

[dcortz2027]

For the love of TRUE console gaming, I hope not! Please Apple, stay away from console gaming!

[Mikhail]

People must remember that the video game crash was brought upon by too many console manufacturers going into the industry. If Apple is smart, they won't venture out with this but rather focus on the AppleTV that they seem to be planning on.

[Gamer-Z]

If they did i'm positive that their console would not use disc, it would probably be all app based just like the ipad and iphone.

[Beastradamus]

I don't want Apple jumping in the Console business. This hobby will become way to expensive lol.

[darkmonkey13x]

totally agree with the game console, it will be called: iPhone/iPad

[Agent_hitman]

Apple GAMEPOD console or Apple iGame, or iPippin

[Redcrimson101]

Lol, lmao, this article tickles me. A wii u killer but not a ps4 killer huh? You guys just love Sony so much that you don't want it to die. If anything, nintendo will be the one standing when the smoke clears. All ds's sold and survived and the iPhone came out almost the same time as the ds. The ds is still selling the wii is still selling and the 3ds is at four million. The vita isn't selling so clearly nintendo will not be going anywhere. Sony will be the 1st to go.

I must admit that an apple system would be interesting. I actually like apple, that doesn't mean if they come out with a system that it will sell like it's other devices. They're getting a bit too cocky now and besides, the console market is too crowded and in these hard economical times I don't think an expensive overpriced apple system will make it. They will also need a strong 1st party company that only makes exclusive games for their system.

I think somebody out of the big three has to drop out of the console race and I think Sony is on their way out. Apple may take their place thow. They say three is a crowd so what would you call a 4th system?

[biRdy]

I can see it now.... Hey I just bought an Apple console! 1 day later, "Apple console 2 coming next year"

[WiiUWiime]

Not needed...giv me a 3ds and a wiiu and ill b just fine:):):)