A new report by iDropNews claims that Apple is developing a new Nintendo Switch-style hybrid game console is being developed by Apple. The claim comes in an article that also says Apple is designing a revamped Apple TV. However, the two devices said to be in development are not connected to each other.
The report’s author says they have heard from sources that Apple is working on “their take of a premium hybrid gaming console” and that “games rivaling Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey” are almost ready to go.
There have been a few past indications that Apple is working on gaming devices and accessories, as in 2019 there appeared a patent that appeared to show Apple working on a Joy-Con-like device.
As noted in the iDropNews report, there were also past tweets posted by reputable leakers saying, “you’ll see either in 2020 or 2021.” This indicates that the project could have been delayed by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The report claims the new gaming console will be a hybrid design, much like the Nintendo Switch, which acts as both a portable and home gaming console. It will be more of a head-to-head competitor with the Switch, instead of the Sony or Microsoft consoles.
The new console is expected to be powered by Apple Silicon, which is certainly a powerful enough chip to handle gaming like that found on the Nintendo Switch. The new console is expected to be targeted as a non-pro device that will be aimed at the same demographic as the Switch.
The new console reportedly will work with Apple Arcade and Apple’s much-rumored mixed reality headset. It will be available in a variety of color options. The report indicates pricing will run somewhere around $449-$549 due to a more premium design.
Of course, this isn’t the first time that Apple’s name is associated with a game console, as the Cupertino firm in the 1990s produced a failed “Pippin” gaming console venture with Bandai. Read the full Pippin story at The Gameological Society’s website.
As is normal for reports like these, they should be taken with a grain of your favorite salt-free seasoning. Nothing is for sure until Apple makes an official announcement.