Apple may be working on a Nintendo Switch competitor
- A new rumor suggests that Apple may be joining the portable gaming market.
- Apple may also be working on a new chip specifically for the device.
- The Backbone One controller is the closest product offering to a Switch like experience for iOS.
According to recent reports, Apple may be working on its own Nintendo Switch competitor. These rumors suggest that Apple could also be working on a new processor specifically made for the new product — with a chip that is neither an A-series nor an M-series. It's important to note that this rumor is somewhat sketchy and has not been backed up as of now.
Apple has been working heavily on their Apple Arcade platform — a platform that allows iPhone and iPad users to play a series of studio made games directly from their devices. It is rumored that Cupertino may also be working with a series of game studios to bring many of those titles to the new console. Multiple rumors surfaced last year claiming that Apple would launch a gaming-focused Apple TV with an A14 Bionic chip.
This is not Apple’s first attempt in the gaming market — back in 1996, Apple launched the Apple Bandai Pippin, an unsuccessful game console that is considered by many as a failure, as it only sold 42,000 units. Even if this rumor ends up being false, there are already products that serve the purpose of using your iPhone as a game console, most notably the Razer Kishi and controller grips.
The newest to the market is the Backbone One, the controller has been named the closest thing to a Nintendo Switch-like experience for iOS. The controller uses the Lightning port for reduced latency, supports lightning pass-through charging, and even has a built in 3.5mm headphone jack. However, Backbone's native software provides the biggest advantage over competitors by providing a central hub for accessing games and applications. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch-like experience for iOS gaming — look no further.
We hope to see Apple develop their own solution for a full console experience for Apple Arcade but this has yet to be seen.
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