Why No Apple Console System?

[BujinZero]

As you know, the iPod was Apple's recent smash hit, and now their new Mini has generated a fair amount of buzz. When you make a computer that can be described as 'cute', you've got a hit.

'Cute' wasn't the first thing I thought of when I saw it, though. Like a Rohrschach test, when I saw the Mini I thought 'Gamecube'. A gaming console based on the idea of the Mini isn't that far flung, and I'm surprised there haven't been rumors. Apple is a hardware company, and could probably build a top-selling gaming console quite easily.

There's another benefit to doing this. Games developed for their console would probably port very easily to their PC's. Macs aren't known for their gaming prowess, but if Apple could convince developers to code for their console it's likely they'd get a Macintosh version as well, and at least close the gap a bit and gain more market share. Perhaps those playing on the consoles and those playing on the Macs can actually play against each other?

I wonder what impact the Mini and the iPod have had on overall sales of iMacs and PowerMacs? And I also wonder if Microsoft would hold them back if they designed a console?

 

[BentValve]

Because girls dont play games?

 

[BentValve]

j/k

 

[Childs]

Apple already had this idea: Pippen. I'm not sure there is room for another console, but one thing to do would be to get some kind of compatibility with the next gen consoles, as there are all Power based.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Microsoft was able to crack the console market dominated by Sony, Nintendo, Sega et. al., because Microsoft is rich. Microsoft was able to buy up game developing studios, sell the hardware at a loss (which they did for the first several years the X-box entered the market), and entice other major developers (like Electronic Arts) to put out titles. I don't think Apple has the financial muscle to do all three.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
Microsoft was able to crack the console market dominated by Sony, Nintendo, Sega et. al., because Microsoft is rich. Microsoft was able to buy up game developing studios, sell the hardware at a loss (which they did for the first several years the X-box entered the market), and entice other major developers (like Electronic Arts) to put out titles. I don't think Apple has the financial muscle to do all three.

also, there is just no place for a 4th console. companies are having trouble devloping for 3 under a profitable economic model. thats why so many games ignore nuntendo gamecube and go xbox and ps2 only.

 

[MisterChief]

iBox? !LMFAO!

 

[imverygifted]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
Microsoft was able to crack the console market dominated by Sony, Nintendo, Sega et. al., because Microsoft is rich. Microsoft was able to buy up game developing studios, sell the hardware at a loss (which they did for the first several years the X-box entered the market), and entice other major developers (like Electronic Arts) to put out titles. I don't think Apple has the financial muscle to do all three.

i don't think apple has any real hold on the gaming market or want one

 

[Stark]

there would only be 4 games...

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: Stark
there would only be 4 games...

and they would all be sold in the iPlay package

then again, with an apple console . . .

only wireless controllers, console looks good, only digital output

 

[Rip the Jacker]

iWireless Controllers with iDigital Output, iHeadset, iKeyboard, iMouse,

 

[vegetation]

It would be insanity for a new entrant to take on the existing game consoles. There's little to no money as it is even for the big players. Apple doesn't have tons of cash to try and do this. That money could instead be funneled into other more worthy projects that would actually deliver back profits to the company.

 

[Chinoman]

They can overrun Nintendo out of the market, I mean, they haven't been doing so well. Apple can make some really neat things if they wanted to. Best of all, Apple products are user-friendly...

 

[Caly]

Well in a weird way the Xbox 2 is an Apple game console.
Isn't it supposed to use a modified G5 chip?

apple-x.net
The Inquirer
Gamesindustry.biz

 

[blackinches]

Originally posted by: Chinoman
They can overrun Nintendo out of the market, I mean, they haven't been doing so well. Apple can make some really neat things if they wanted to. Best of all, Apple products are user-friendly...

blackinches does not think so. nintendo makes the best first party games bar none and they are always profitable. they also do well in markets outside of the u.s.. espcially in japan where american consoles do not fare well at all. apple really doesn't have the in house development for killer first party nor would they have the financial backing to get third party developers to jump aboard.

Originally posted by: Caly
Well in a weird way the Xbox 2 is an Apple game console.
Isn't it supposed to use a modified G5 chip?

apple-x.net
The Inquirer
Gamesindustry.biz

yes that is true. they are shipping mac g5's to developers to use as development kits for the next xbox.

 

[SunSamurai]

i stands for internet in apple products. what they hell would it be on a game console.

 

[Rip the Jacker]

rofl@black inches talking in third person

 

[0roo0roo]

not enough money to support the initial game development.

mini is close as it gets for em.

 

[KamiXkaze]

Originally posted by: Childs
Apple already had this idea: Pippen. I'm not sure there is room for another console, but one thing to do would be to get some kind of compatibility with the next gen consoles, as there are all Power based.

yep that happen while ago however that failed by the waist side just like the newton(great idea just did not catch on at the time)

As a matter of fact comodore amiga had a system out as well so did nec with the pcfx. if it is not sony,nintendo or now microsoft you apple wil have a hard climb getting console in now.

KxK

 

[ddviper]

Originally posted by: MisterChief
iBox? !LMFAO!

 

[50]

I thought I remember seeing another console called like apextreme?

 

[Cerb]

Yes, people think the Ipod is cute.
I wonder, do these people look at a thin bar of soap and think, "cute" ?

A console from Apple would be stupid. MS can only make it because they make a lot of money, and Nintendo because they are good at making them small and cool. Apple would likely not be able to get developers or consumer demand necessary.

 

[blackinches]

blackinches thinks the ipods are ugly.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Originally posted by: blackinches
blackinches thinks the ipods are ugly.

Triforce thinks blackinches is a toolbag for speaking in the third person.

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Chinoman
They can overrun Nintendo out of the market, I mean, they haven't been doing so well. Apple can make some really neat things if they wanted to. Best of all, Apple products are user-friendly...

What is not user friendly about consoles? Stick game DVD/ disc in and it runs.

The Apple console would not do well without a SERIOUS amount of backing from game companies.

Koing