Topic: Pachter: Apple will have a game console soon

[Chozo Ghost]

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/03/02/pachter-apple-will-have-a-game-console-soon/

First off, let me apologize for posting old news as this article is rather old (but not that old, because it is from this year). In the Wii Rumors thread Blacknmild posted a rumor about some new gaming console that was in development and I speculated there that it could be from Apple and I went on google so I could research more about the aborted console that they were working on in the 90s. So I accidentally ran into this fairly recent article here that I don't recall hearing about before, so even though its old it was still new to me and maybe its new to many of you as well.

But anyway, we can put two and two together here. We have leaked info that some new gaming console is in development (but we don't know by who), plus we have this thing here from Pachter. So does this mean that this mysterious console is coming from Apple? It seems very plausible to me, because Apple has been highly successful with their Ipod junk over recent years, so they have a lot of money to attempt something like this. Remember how Microsoft was able to use its vast wealth to force its way into the console market and is now the number 2 competitor? Well, Apple is another company with a vast fortune now, and furthermore they also have experience with consumer electronics and whatnot so this is a very reasonable prediction one could make. Also, the Ipod stuff does do gaming, so one could argue Apple is already in the business of making video game hardware, so for them to take one more step by making consoles isn't really that much of a leap. So I think all in all this is very plausible.

[NWR_insanolord]

I don't think Apple's making a game console, and if they were, they'd be developing the chip internally, not using someone else's.

[broodwars]

I don't see what Apple would have to gain from jumping into an already crowded console market.  They function better making steady gains only going up against the DS/3DS (and the corpse labeled "PSP") in the handheld market.

[TJ Spyke]

It's Michael Pachter, 'nuff said.

Fine, I don't think this will happen. These rumors have been around for years, I don't think Apple will release their own game system. You mention Microsoft, but Microsoft at least had some experience as they had been publishing PC video games for several years. Apple, AFAIK, have no experience making video games. The 3DO showed that you can't release a video game system and support it to survive with only third party games.

[Chozo Ghost]

With the billions of dollars Apple has from Ipod sales they would have little problem buying up studios and/or moneyhats to buy support for their console. 3D0 was a company that started essentially from scratch, so it didn't have the financial clout to buy developer support. Sony and MS were both able to strongarm their way into the market which is something 3D0 could not do, but it is something Apple can.

[BlackNMild2k1]

Here is something else Pachter said just yesterday:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20018181-17.html

Nintendo says it will release its 3DS portable gaming device to U.S. and Europe in March, but Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter isn't convinced.

Speaking in an interview with gaming blog Joystiq, Pachter said that based on "how Nintendo does things," he doesn't believe it's "remotely possible they're launching [the 3DS in the] first half of March."

"I'm getting it gets delayed until April in Europe and U.S.," Pachter said.

Its Michael Pachter. Waaay more misses than hits and if he's the only one saying it, I wouldn't put too much faith in it.

Besides, wasn't the US/EUR release date for 3DS just March 2011? not the 1st half of March?

[Ian Sane]

I think Microsoft benefited a lot from Sega bowing out before the Xbox launched.  Three competitors seems to be the max the market can support in any significant way.  Any time it has exceeded that we get hugely irrelevent consoles like the 3DO or Jaguar.  Apple should only enter if they seriously think Sony or MS will exit first.

[Adrock]

Here's why an Apple console wouldn't work.

3rd party Publisher Executive: We have this game we wa--
Steve Jobs: No.
3rd party Publisher Executive: But you didn't even let me fin--
Steve Jobs: No.

[nickmitch]

Ian's right. 3 home consoles are plenty. Apple couldn't differentiate itself in a significant enough way. Plus, if it were happening soon, Apple would've already bought a handfull of (small) 3rd parties.
I doubt they'd make a handheld console either, since the iPhone and iPod Touch already eat at that market, and there's no toppling Nintendo at this point.

[Shorty McNostril]

I don't know.  With the popularity of the i..... devices, they could probably make a serious dent in the casual market if they played their cards right.  The casual market aren't really a mob that will stick to brand loyalty.  If apple released a reasonably inexpensive system, I think they would do quite well.  They could make a console that incorporated Apple TV, as well as have the obligatory connectivity to the iPhones/pods.   

Actually, the more that I think about it, the more I think it would work....

[Adrock]

If apple released a reasonably inexpensive system...

Are we talking about the same Apple? Keep in mind, I'm typing this on a $1800 Macbook Pro. It's a great computer and I'm a huge fan of OSX, but it's probably worth at least $600 less than I paid for it. My reasoning: Vista sucked and I wanted to try Mac, but that's besides the point. "Apple" and "reasonably inexpensive" shouldn't be used in the same sentence, unless you're talking about apples from a produce market or grocery store.

[Morari]

Unfortunately, anything Apple makes will sell (y'know, except their computes, lol). It's not because they make good products, but because they have a specific demographic utterly brainwashed. Over-price and under-powered... that's the name of Apple's game! Of course, Apple might feel at home with a console, they're locked down and regulated enough.

[Shaymin]

Pachter

* Shaymin closes the tab

[Shorty McNostril]

If apple released a reasonably inexpensive system...

Are we talking about the same Apple? Keep in mind, I'm typing this on a $1800 Macbook Pro. It's a great computer and I'm a huge fan of OSX, but it's probably worth at least $600 less than I paid for it. My reasoning: Vista sucked and I wanted to try Mac, but that's besides the point. "Apple" and "reasonably inexpensive" shouldn't be used in the same sentence, unless you're talking about apples from a produce market or grocery store.

Sure.  Why not?  Like I said, if Apple played there cards right they have potential.  Like Morari said, they have there target utterly brainwashed.  That is one HELL of a big group of people.  Even most of us here were going gaga over the iPhone 4 thread.  And most if not all of those same people would faulk out the cash to get one.  Their iPod nanos and shuffles aren't too unreasonably priced.  They would just need to show some restraint for their 1st showing. 

Think about it.  They already have a huge online system established which they could integrate into the "iGame".  They could use it for iP..... connectivity.  Music, movies, hell pretty much everything.  Considering all that can be achieved in a device as small as an iPhone, why couldn't it be done on a larger home device. 

Look, I'm not saying it will happen.  But I certainly do think that they have great potential.

PS.  And I might just add in here that I am in no way an Apple "supporter".  I have never owned an Apple device and have only had about 5 mins with an iPhone.  The above thoughts are based purely on what I see when I look around.

[SixthAngel]

Remember how Microsoft was able to use its vast wealth to force its way into the console market and is now the number 2 competitor?

Thats not really working out so hot for them.  Billions of dollars burned for a distant second place and a future console seems like it will be very difficult for them, especially when kinect most likely bombs.  They can't update the graphics because developers can't even really afford the current expenses and they can't do a Wii like jump because they just released their Wiimote on the current system.  T

The reason MS entered was the set-top box future they predicted.  Phones and pad are doing all those things now and apples already on top of them.  The set-top box seems to be going nowhere

What could Apple possibly bring to gaming market?  Their whole schtick is ease of use and Nintendo has been hitting that market relentlessly.  Apple also has no way to release a console with a controller that is different, they would need first party developers to start it.  They would have to have some kind of amazing idea to want to enter a market where people like Pachter predicted the dominant company would leave the business.

[ThePerm]

Apple Entering the market could have an unexpected side effect of putting Sony out of business. Which would do great for their position in every sector they compete against Sony in. When Microsoft entered the console business it basically put Sega out of the running and of course shortly after the announcement of the xbox Sega went third party. Apple could put as much money into a failed console generation for just long enough to chew into Sony's sales. Microsoft is going nowhere, and Wii is such a great success Nintendo could run on Wii and DS money for 2 more generations.

As far as Pachter thinking there will be another delay on 3ds...fat chance. March in the U.S.
Nintendo has consistently released products around March 27th(my birthday) for 15 years.

The Apple console rumor has been going around since the n64 days, i remember making mockups during the colorful iMac days

http://www.papercraftmuseum.com/pcm/pics/Apple-iMac-5-colors.jpg

[Mop it up]

Apple doesn't have anything to offer gaming and I don't think they'd want to spend the money to secure a whole bunch of game developers to get their system started. Besides, I already feel the home console market is crowded with three competitors, especially when two of them are so similar, it can't support a fourth.

[BranDonk Kong]

Ain't gonna happen, cap'n. And Patcher sucks.

[Adrock]

Sure.  Why not?  Like I said, if Apple played there cards right they have potential.  Like Morari said, they have there target utterly brainwashed.  That is one HELL of a big group of people.  Even most of us here were going gaga over the iPhone 4 thread.  And most if not all of those same people would faulk out the cash to get one.  Their iPod nanos and shuffles aren't too unreasonably priced.  They would just need to show some restraint for their 1st showing.

If any company played their cards right, they have potential. Apple doesn't know the first thing about making videogames. And I'm not sure Steve Jobs' shrewd business tactics will work in this market. Exactly what could they offer that Sony, MS, and Nintendo don't already offer? I really don't think Apple can out-think any of them, especially Nintendo, in that space. Blind fanboyism will only take Apple so far.

[Chozo Ghost]

If apple released a reasonably inexpensive system...

Are we talking about the same Apple? Keep in mind, I'm typing this on a $1800 Macbook Pro. It's a great computer and I'm a huge fan of OSX, but it's probably worth at least $600 less than I paid for it. My reasoning: Vista sucked and I wanted to try Mac, but that's besides the point. "Apple" and "reasonably inexpensive" shouldn't be used in the same sentence, unless you're talking about apples from a produce market or grocery store.

The same thing also applies for the Ipod and Apple's other I products. You can get a generic MP3 player with the same set of features as an Ipod for considerably less. So all you're paying for is the brand name. Nevertheless, you can't argue with the results... even though Ipods are a ripoff compared to other MP3 players they are a very strong brand and people buy them up despite the extra cost.

I just wonder if a similar strategy could work out for them if they made consoles, where they would have a system on par with the competition yet it would cost more, but despite that it would sell like hot cakes simply because of its name.

[Chozo Ghost]

If any company played their cards right, they have potential. Apple doesn't know the first thing about making videogames.

Don't they own Pixar or something? It might not be video games per se, but its something similar. And like I said earlier, the same thing was said about MS/Sony when they entered the arena. The bottom line is if you have enough money it doesn't matter what you know or don't know, because you can just hire the talent. You may not know the first thing about something, but if you have the money you can pay someone to do the knowing for you.

[Chozo Ghost]

I think Microsoft benefited a lot from Sega bowing out before the Xbox launched.  Three competitors seems to be the max the market can support in any significant way.  Any time it has exceeded that we get hugely irrelevent consoles like the 3DO or Jaguar.  Apple should only enter if they seriously think Sony or MS will exit first.

The video game market has grown a lot larger since the early to mid 90s. That's because of a combination of there now being more people in the world, and also the fact that more and more of them are gamers. If you look back to the days of the Atari 2600 and the NES you had only one single console that basically monopolized the entire industry, and the reason for that was because the market back then was very small and that's just all that it could support.

Fast forward to the SNES/Genesis era on up to the N64/PS1 and here you find a market that is a good deal larger which can now actually support two competitors at a time instead of one. Now we are at a point where the market is even larger and its capable of supporting three competitors simultaneously.

So do you see what I'm getting at here? The market started with a one console market, but then advanced to a duopoly with the Genesis/SNES and now we have a Triopoly. So doesn't it make sense that in the next generation or the generation after that we will be at a point where a Quadopoly is possible? As the market grows it is able to support more and more competition.

[Shorty McNostril]

Sure.  Why not?  Like I said, if Apple played there cards right they have potential.  Like Morari said, they have there target utterly brainwashed.  That is one HELL of a big group of people.  Even most of us here were going gaga over the iPhone 4 thread.  And most if not all of those same people would faulk out the cash to get one.  Their iPod nanos and shuffles aren't too unreasonably priced.  They would just need to show some restraint for their 1st showing.

Apple doesn't know the first thing about making videogames. And I'm not sure Steve Jobs' shrewd business tactics will work in this market. Exactly what could they offer that Sony, MS, and Nintendo don't already offer? I really don't think Apple can out-think any of them, especially Nintendo, in that space. Blind fanboyism will only take Apple so far.

But this is the thing.  Do they need to offer anything new?  Aside from the Wii, consoled have essentially been the same from gen to gen.  Sure, they might have implemented a couple of new features, but essentially they have been the same thing:  A controller attached to a box with a game disc/cart in it.  They are played the same.  They don't need to bring anything different to the table.  Just bring a unit that contains a comparable amount of features and stamp an Apple logo on it.  They have a large enough following that the Apple name will probably suffice for a while assuming they don't do anything stupid. 

If any company played their cards right, they have potential.

Technically this is true.  But is it logical?  If Woolies announced tomorrow that they were entering the console market, what would we say?  As you said, if they played their cards right then they would succeed.  But what are the chances of that happening?
Apple is by now very versed in the ways of electronics and gadgetry.  If they really wanted to get in on the console market I'm 100% sure they could do it and do it well.  The Apple brand is pretty much king of the world right now.  I would say more popular than Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft.  They have a massive following on overpriced products.  If they can pull that off to the degree that they have, surely they have very good potential if they chose to enter the console market.

[Chozo Ghost]

The thing that sets all consoles apart in the end is their exclusive system selling titles. People buy the 360 for Halo and the other exclusives, and that goes for the PS3 and Wii as well. Apple could make their console a must have item by creating or purchasing IPs that would be exclusive to their system. The reason you would buy the Apple console is because you couldn't play those games on other systems.

I think an Apple system would see a large amount of exclusive Disney/Pixar titles, and that in itself might just be enough to carve out its niche in the market. Apple could also buy out the 3rd party developers that are struggling right now in this economy, or if not buy them outright then at least purchase their IPs and get those developed for their system. Of course, creating new IPs entirely from scratch isn't a bad idea either... after all, that's how IPs start out anyway.

[ThePerm]

im of the mind that the video game market can only support 3 companies, depending on how much money is thrown out if there are 4, then one of them will fail. Apple has always played softball and not hardball. If anything Apple TV will slowly integrate game playing ability.