Sketchy Apple Switch-like gaming console rumor surfaces

A somewhat sketchy rumor from Apple-focused website iDropnews suggests that Apple is well into the development of a standalone hybrid gaming portable in vein of the Nintendo Switch. We say ‘sketchy’ as this is the first so-called ‘exclusive’ tip that the writer of the article has published putting a big question mark over its veracity. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising to see Apple enter the market with a dedicated portable gaming console.

Apple is making a lot of money out of casual gaming on its iOS and iPadOS. According to one report, the company is making so much money from gaming that it made more than Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony combined in 2019. On one hand, if it is already raking in that much money from casual gaming on its platforms, it doesn’t seem necessary for it to make its own handheld. On the other hand, however, it would be a good way for Apple to double down on its success with a dedicated gaming solution.

Another reason Apple might want to create its own hybrid console is that it is always looking for new product categories so it can continue the incredible growth it has seen over the past decade. According to iDropnews, Apple also has a couple of more in depth gaming titles in development (probably in partnership with gaming studios) that would launch alongside the console. While Apple has built its mobile gaming empire on touch screen devices, increasingly, games with controller support built in are being added to the App Store all the time. Apple has even pulled them together under the ‘Games that can be played with a controller’ banner.

Apple tried and failed once with a gaming console called the Pipin many years ago. However, it is in a much different position today with a massive games library behind it. Creating a device with physical controllers built-in and touchscreen support to take advantage of games with only touch support would have a strong chance of success one would think. Moreover, Apple has mobile chip technology with powerful processing and graphics making a portable gaming console an even better fit. Still, until we start hearing more rumors about such a device from other sources with more reliable records, we will file this rumor in the category of ‘to be taken with a (big) pinch of salt’.

Buy the Nintendo Switch from Amazon for US$299.