Apple Handheld Console is coming to compete with the Nintendo Switch

Apple Arcade teased us with the possibility of Apple’s return to the range of gaming. Now, a new fresh rumor points out the possibility of a new handheld console made by Apple. The new console is coming to compete in the range dominated by the Nintendo Switch and that soon will get more alternatives as to the Steam Deck.

Those who are familiar with Apple’s story will remember that it launched a console dubbed Apple Bandai Pippin. It was produced between 1996 and 1997 as a derivative of the Apple Macintosh platform. The company’s objective was to create an inexpensive computer system aimed mostly at playing CD-based multimedia software, especially games, but also functioning as a thin client.

The operating system was a version of System 7.5.2, and it used a 66 MHz PowerPC 603 processor with a 14.4 kb/s modem. The device came with a 4x speed CD-ROM drive and video output for a standard television display. Well, we’re in 2021 and we can easily know that the console was a failure. Bandai has produced around 100,000 units but sold just 40,000 before discontinuing it. Several years later, Cupertino seems to be ready for another try.

Apple’s handheld console combines Switch versatility with PS5 horsepower

This time around, Apple will aim at the mass market to possibly dethrone the Nintendo Switch. According to a report, the Apple console will be a hybrid device, a combination of Switch and Sony’s PS5. If this comparison means the portability of Switch, but the power of the PS5 then we need to be excited. After all, Nintendo Switch’s big deal is the portability, but the console falls behind the competition in terms of hardware. That is one of the reasons that make the Steam Deck so appealing. Valve’s handheld console can run AAA games without any hassle. The rumor continues stating that Apple’s rumored console will work with the also rumored AR/VR headset.

Furthermore, the report says that Apple has kickstarted the development of several titles and has major studios on board. The company has its alternatives to Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey and they are already ready to go. When the company unveiled it’s Apple Arcade subscription-based service having access to paid and also to exclusive iOS / iPad games we started to see the company’s new attention to the gaming department. Games were one of the most profitable products in recent times, especially when the pandemic exploded last year. As per speculation, the COVID-19 outbreak ruined Apple’s plan but there’s a chance that the console will see broad daylight soon.

As we’ve said before, the handheld category will become more competitive in recent years. However, the big power of Nintendo still relies on its exclusive titles. Let’s see if Apple will be able to produce games with the same pedigree.