APPLE HANDHELD CONSOLE TO COMPETE WITH THE NINTENDO SWITCH

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Apple Arcade intrigued us with the prospect of Apple returning to the gaming world. Now, a new rumor suggests that Apple may be working on a new handheld console. The new system will compete in the same market as the Nintendo Switch, which will soon have more options than the Steam Deck.

Those familiar with Apple’s history may recall that the company released the Apple Bandai Pippin system. It was created as a clone of the Apple Macintosh platform between 1996 and 1997. The company’s goal was to produce a low-cost computer system that could play CD-based multimedia software, particularly games, while simultaneously serving as a thin client.

The operating system was System 7.5.2, and the computer included a 66 MHz PowerPC 603 processor and a 14.4 kbps modem. A 4x CD-ROM drive and a video output for a standard television display were included with the device. Now that we’re in the year 2021, we can plainly see that the console was a flop.

READ ALSO: Paddle to be first to replace Apple’s in-app billing system for developers

Bandai made roughly 100,000 pieces, but only 40,000 were sold before it was discontinued. Cupertino appears to be ready for another shot after several years.

APPLE’S HANDHELD CONSOLE COMBINES SWITCH VERSATILITY WITH PS5 HORSEPOWER

This time, Apple will go after the mainstream market in an attempt to dethrone the Nintendo Switch. According to a source, Apple’s system will be a blend of the Nintendo Switch and Sony’s PlayStation 5. We should be excited if this comparison means the Switch’s portability but the PS5’s power. After all, the Nintendo Switch’s main selling point is its portability, but the console’s hardware lags behind the competition. One of the reasons why the Steam Deck is so enticing is because of this. Valve’s handheld device is capable of running AAA titles without difficulty. According to the rumor, Apple’s expected console will work with the similarly alleged AR/VR headset.

According to the source, Apple has already begun work on numerous titles and has enlisted the help of major studios. Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey aren’t the only games in development at Nintendo, and they’re already ready to launch. When Apple announced its Apple Arcade subscription-based service, which gives users access to both premium and exclusive iOS / iPad games, it signaled the company’s renewed focus on gaming. Games have become one of the most successful goods in recent years, particularly since the Ebola outbreak last year. Apple’s plan was thwarted by the COVID-19 outbreak, but there’s a chance the console will see the light of day soon.

In recent years, the handheld market has gotten more competitive. Nintendo’s major strength, on the other hand, is still based on its exclusive releases. Let’s see if Apple can make games with the same illustrious lineage.