Unless you happen to live under a rock, you will no doubt have been aware that yesterday Apple held one of its special events in which it announced several new products. There was a larger iPad, two new iPhones and - perhaps most significantly of all - a new Apple TV, this time with a very strong focus on gaming.
Sure, this revised model does everything previous Apple TV units have done, such as play music and movies, run unique apps and act as a streaming device. However, this time around Apple appears to be serious about cracking the home gaming market, and has taken some inspiration from Nintendo's best-selling Wii console, originally released in 2006.
The new Apple TV remote looks very much like a Wii Remote - it even comes with a wrist strap and control is based around arm movements - and Apple has gone as far as to enlist the support of Rock Band developer Harmonix to create Beat Sports, a pretty blatant homage to Wii Sports.
That's not all - the system will be getting other big games, such as Guitar Hero Live and Disney Infinity 3.0.
The unit is going to be available in October.
Comments 87
What the...
Ok... Im done with Apple.
Hahaha, I guess it was Nintendo related after all. Beat Sports looks kind of cute, but it's no Wii Sports.
No Nunchuk equivalent?
Casuals will eat it up.
I won't underestimate Apple, but I doubt the console with flourish. Apple has no experience in creating games.
Too late to the party Apple, there's no more pie for you.
Can Apple be the "behind the times" butt monkey now?
I think apple did the right movement, here we are in the smart-era of technology, how many people now had apple tv, and how many people are better with a smart tv, that just a console, this is perfect for casual gamers
I really like Apple and I own an Apple TV, iPhone 5S, iPad Air as well as a MacBook that I have had since 2010 (and is still going really well too), but nothing in their conference yesterday made me sit up and take notice.
A much bigger iPad that runs the same old, same old iOS? It may have its place in the art/photo/video media industry, but it's (obviously) not for casual users like me.
A new Apple TV that is indeed 'late to the party'? The new remote control asides, both the tvOS and belated App Store integration doesn't seem as compelling as a reason as it could have been a couple of years ago.
An update for the two new iPhone's that offers a slightly quicker way of 'holding down to touch' (3D Touch) and an improved camera (albeit with a protruding bulge that remains); it only makes me long for a new 4" iPhone and one that you can easily use with one hand.
It was quite disappointing in all honesty.
One thing that I can take away from this is that I thoroughly hope Nintendo are not going to go down the new Apple TV route, with a puck-sized box, an eShop of sorts along with yet another 'unique' controller. I would swiftly wave goodbye to Nintendo if this does indeed happen.
Im done..
If they can get the Apple TV (which is cheaper by far than any home console and has an established media marketplace) into enough homes, it won't matter how "late" they are. If I didn't have a Mac Mini hooked up to my TV I'd probably already own an Apple TV, but I won't lie that being able to stream games from iPad to TV doesn't have me tempted. The Horipad is a pretty decent dual stick controller. Hopefully this will get companies to finally roll-out MFI support across the board and we'll see a wider range of decent controllers. Hell, Nintendo could even make compatible Wii Remotes for it to work with their iOS offerings.
Tada.
Another player in the gaming space. And it's going to matter. A lot.
Looks more like taken from the Rhythm Heaven series.
@Takatomon I was done with Apple well over 20 years ago, even before the iMac.
@MadAdam81 The last Apple prduct I had was the 2nd Gen Ipod Touch
But I think your choice was better
It's not just Nintendo that should be miffed. I think Microsoft should feel even more annoyed. Firstly the iPad Pro is basically an Apple Surface, even down to the keyboard cover. But whereas the Surface was panned, the iPad Pro has the press drooling already. And the business model of the Apple TV is basically the same as the original proposition of Xbox One (TV and gaming in one platform). But whereas the gaming community reacted badly to the inclusion of TV features in a gaming console, the TV watching community is curious about the addition of games.
As for the console itself, I was tempted to call this the next Philips CDi...
However this will reach a decent user base (sadly larger than the Wii U) simply based on Apple's brand power. But it will be no console-killer because it will lack quality games.
Having said that, if momentum builds then we could find some good games being developed for it and that could change the equation.
Speaking as someone who has 5 games consoles under his TV, and whose wife has issued a 'cease and desisit' order on purchasing new consoles, I can already see the attraction of a box that can be labelled as a TV product! However no quality games at the moment means I am not interested.
It seems Apple is finally running out. All of their "new" innovative products are just old products that other companies have done already. I think Apple is getting way too cocky in thinking that their version will be the best one just because it has an Apple on it. The controller looks like another iPhone which wouldn't even feel close to a baseball bat in grip. Everyone already has a wii, xbox, or ps lying around which all had motion controls had some point. This was a fad in 2006 and it's 10 years later. Apple has really been behind the times. That's ok though, because all the hipsters will want it because it's "retro" lol.
I've never been an Apple fan so really not interested, bring on the NX!
And they say Apple is ahead of the times and Nintendo is behind. lol
Oh yeah in before Apple apologists.
Why are people freaking out? Apple see an open in the gaming market for motion controls for the casuals. It'll sell well again.
I won't be getting it, but others will. I just hope Nintendo don't have some new gimmick for the NX and just stick with a standard controller this time around.
i didn't see it as a Wii but I suppose in a way it kind of is. But if so I don't see it changing anything. Seeing the size restrictions on game sizes (200mb) and having to store the rest on iCloud. I don't see Apple TV being that big for their gaming. It still looks like it is more for tv shows and movies.
That looks uncomfortable to play to be honest and more importantly not fun
Apparently I live under a rock. But it's probably a rock worth living under.
Those above dismissing Apple and saying it will fail or they are too late to the party are being rather foolish.If Apple are serious about becoming a player in the home gaming space and by the looks of it they are,it could be rather worrying for Nintendo.This is their space or at least the one they had and are trying to get back.Apple might not get it right with this model but they will make it a success eventually,that's a certainty.I have considered before a future where Nintendo team up with Apple,now with this news it's even more possible that in the future it could happen.Nintendo's knowledge of gaming with the financial clout of Apple to back them up would be a great move going forward in my opinion.
As a developer making a game that uses Wiimotes, I'll definitely be releasing the game on Apple TV. But if AppleTV appstore is anything like mobile, it'll come to Wii U first. It's a smaller market with less competition, and so more opportunity to get noticed and featured by Apple when it does hit Apple TV. Versus sinking without a trace in the ocean of shovelware.
The question for WiiU owners is if other devs will take the same attitude.
"As for the console itself, I was tempted to call this the next Philips CDi..."
Touché! It has every chance to be just as succesful IMHO. On a technical level, a media player like this won't be able to compete with cutting-edge gaming consoles. But they're also quite expensive compared to other set-top / streaming products like Chromecast so I'm not so sure this will take off.
Oh, well, I guess I must live under a rock then, Damien.
Sigh... RANT TIME
seen quite a few people here saying if Nintendo has gimmick controller they are out, please do us all a favour and go. I don't mean that offensively, maliciously or as aggressively as it sounds. It's just odds are you are going to be disappointed.
Here we was thinking the death of Kinect 2.0 meant the end of motion controls in our homes, but here is apple doing it so it will sell several million units. Hell even PC gaming's current babe Oculus has a controller/motion hybrid
The only reason a new Nintendo system would have a "normal" pad is if the system it self its crazy (ie an hybrid). there will always be something to set it apart
Seriously Nintendo has repeatedly said they like being outside the norm for consoles and guess what crazy controller evolutions is how they do that. the old adage is still true "What Nintendo dose today others do tomorrow" Shoulder buttons, control sticks, triggers, motion controls and even 2nd screen gaming has caught on and embraced by their rivals. the difference is now instead of waiting a gen to "borrow" the ideas it can be done as soon as people show an interest and be patched in. Third parties don't care what controller its using they only care about "sales VS cost of porting" if the Wii U did well in sales (of the machine AND in third party games) then the third parties would still be around and they'd used the game pad.
RANT OVER...
Have I been living under a rock? - I have never seen or heard of Apple TV. People generally lap up anything the media tells them to, such as Apple Money or whatever, but I can honestly say I have never met anybody that uses Apple TV. Perhaps it's just the UK that doesn't seem to care about it? Or I could be completely wrong...
I have a friend who has Apple TV, but yes, perhaps it's more popular in North America. That being said, it's not super common over here either.......lots of hype during the intial launch, but afterwards it somewhat fell off the publics radar.
LOL at the confrence though, Apple managed to make Microsoft and Nintendo look like innovators and themselves as a company running on borrowed time.
I guess that, apparently like others here, this means I'm officially living under a rock .
50/50. I thought initally it copied the Wiimote too, and it also copies the touch pad of the Wii U and (the Wii U copying) PS4
But there are elements that are unique - the hybrid of portable and set top box may well predate whatever the NX could be, The "play on iOS/pick up where you left off on your TV" is a great feature that I hope NX will copy. And 3D touch looks really interesting and innovative.
Most importantly of all, Nintendo will be releasing iOS games soon. It will interesting to see if they come out on Apple TV.
I only hope Nintendo doesn't get sued from Apple.....after all, this IS Nintendo we're talking about, always with the patent trolling.
its the apple way steal ideas steal software from the open source community an then pass it off as your own, apple are like a legitimate popstation manufacture.
Apple is just trendy atm like nokia once was
the only good apple dose is sell the same consumer grade stuff
only at a extortionate price.
As always, it comes down to one thing. The same thing it always comes down to- will it have good exclusive games?
If it does, I'll buy one, if not, then I won't. I enjoy several of Apple's products and some I like more than others. I certainly haven't jumped on the hate train though (which I see a LOT of people doing). It's just a company folks. A company making products. Buy them or don't. But no need to get all emotionally vested in it (same could be said for Nintendo really).
It's not that I live under a rock, more that I'm at work all day, but still, Apple announce new versions of their crap is like saying the wind blew today.
I KNEW IT! I PREDICTED THIS YESTERDAY! IF THEY EVER MAKE ANYTHING GOOD IT'S ALWAYS COPIED!...not that I believe this would be all too good compared too the current gaming consoles, but who knows. I think only Apple fanboys will get sucked in.
Nintendo ripped off Apple ten years ago. Bastards ;_;
Man this rock sure is crowded, but hey at least its good company! I think I'll stay under it for now.
Also this is entertaining news. Interesting to see how it goes.
The presentation lost me yesterday at the $100 stylus pencil.
About a year or so ago I started a forum thread worried that Wii U could lose market share to the influx of casual gaming devices such as Ouya, Fire TV, Roku and Google Player, updating it as new devices occasionally are announced. I saw nothing new yesterday in Apple TV, I haven't even bothered updating the thread. A new Fire TV is likely to be announced soon, that will probably be more of a gaming device than this. The addition of gaming to Apple TV is nice, and I'm sure the Apple faithful will pick it up with change leftover from there $13,000 watch purchases, but there's nothing new there.
This going to be an actual console or a microconsole? Microconsoles have proven that they're not a commercially viable rival to actual consoles - just look at the Ouya, Gamestick, and Playstation TV. I've got all three of those, and while (except for the Gamestick), they have something interesting to offer, they'll never take down the home console market. I can't see this latest Apple product being any more successful in that.
The limit of tvOS is that it was a mobile OS and can only play mobile games. Sure, recent mobile games can be compared very well to console games nowadays, however there won't be AAA games to compete with full fledged consoles. 64GB maximum is also too limited and no expandable storage. It will be a good indie game machine however, just like Android TV boxes and we know how that ends up. Apple TV will be more successful for sure, but it still won't compete with home console.
You can't seriously write an article without trashing the company with the line "Nintendo is best, they did it first".
What a fanboy journalism.
Well apple tvs are in many homes anyway...I think this will take off but not to replace dedicated consoles (which aren't even dedicated anymore...grumble get off my lawn), instead it will be a "oh this does games too!" sorta thing.
Well, back to the rock-
I'm not surprised, but I am disappointed. I feel like ever since Steve Jobbs passed away Apple has had difficulty in keeping momentum and staying relevant. It is still a recognizable brand name, and Macs are often considered the best laptop, but they seem hesitant to push the envelope. Microsoft and Nintendo have been making greater strides in technological and conceptual developments. Apple on the other hand is producing an Apple TV on par with 2006 technology.
Just how did they do that without infringing on any of Nintendo's patents?
Is Apple losing its edge? First, the smart watch and, now, a wiimote that looks like a TV remote from the '80s.
This is so behind the times I was reminded of the Game & Watch game Spitball Sparky when he started clunking left and right between columns like prehistoric Arkanoid.
What many Nintendo fans here are not realizing is that Apple has the brand recognition and relevance to make this succeed whereas Nintendo has essentially been irrelevant to anyone outside of their (shrinking) core fan base since like.... 2011?
This is just going to flop... just like amazon's game-thingy and the kick starter andiod system.
Wait...so is Apple like, ya know, an actual competitor now since they're doing video games? And can't you just hook up a console to an Apple TV that's not whatever this thing is?
@gatorboi352 And you-re forgoting to realize that even Apple fans don't even give a crap about Apple TV, and let's not forgot that most of their fans are kids that don't even know Apple TV is a thing. Don't get me started on the fact Android is getting bigger and bigger. This is the least of anybody worries.
The sad part is people will flock to it like Zombies because it's Apple.
It's Apple, so lots of people will say that it's new and innovative, and will be in a hurry to buy it
what the hell apple
This is no big deal. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
This will not be as well developed as the Wii was. The games coming out will be casual at best.
As far as Rock Band and D.I. 3.0 go, my guess is that they will use this controller only to connect peripherals to.
I thought that this design was more similar to the Wii U Gamepad, with it's screen that can search and display information about your show seamlessly while watching tv. It's like what Nintendo TVii could have been.
Apple sux, not interesting.
EDIT: LOL @ Video. Are they serious?? Ha ha.
Personally, I'm not an Apple fan; I think they charge too much for what's under the hood, as well as a few other gripes that I won't get into to avoid this post turning into a book.
Business-wise, I think this may do pretty well. Never underestimate brand power, especially where Apple is involved. I remember reading somewhere that Apple TV has already shifted 25 million units. Plus, they're obviously trying to target the casual living room, like the Wii.
Gamer-wise, I think it's a not-so-cheap imitation of the Wii, and only see this attracting the casual living room/family crowd and Apple enthusiasts.
I'm really betting this will go in the same direction as the Ouya.
I'd be surprised if support for it goes over two years.
Why not.
The already put touch controls from the DS together with motion and channels from the Wii in the first iPhone when they announced that thing a month and a half after the Wii released.
Nintendo aped Apple's design approach and had massiv success with the Wii, now they pay by Apple inheriting their ideas and their audience.
That's what I thought when I saw Apple's presentation yesterday.
But I also thought, sadly for Nintendo, Apple TV seems like the thing that could make home gaming consoles history. And then I thought "I really want an Apple TV".
In my opinion Nintendo should aim for partnership with Apple. Hate me as much as you like, Apple is a real threat for Nintendo and other gaming console companies like Sony.
Is the Wii retro enough to be played ironically?
@JaxonH But these companies work very hard to get us emotionally invested in their ecosystems. They want us to identify our lives with their logos. As much as fanboyism is irrational, it's encouraged irrationality.
@Nicolai yeah, pairing an iPad (which 10s of millions of people have already) with an Apple TV pretty much renders the Wii U useless for anything other than games.
My question is whether or not Nintendo has a case for a copyright lawsuit? I mean seriously? Of all the things they could announce and call unique or innovative they do this? No respect for apple.
@gatorboi352
Exactly. Since the beginning, the only thing unique about Wii U wasn't the tech itself, but the way Nintendo committed to the idea. You won't another system that has a game like Nintendo Land, or supports off-tv play on nearly all of their titles.
I feel like the games were the worst part of how they presented the appletv but i still want one as every other function looks nice and easy to use and hopefully the gaming functions are better than advertised. im guessing they didnt spend a lot of time on that aspect of it because of time considerations plus its not really the focus of the device and theyre trying to reach a big audience.
I definitely won't be getting a motion controlled system ever again. Some gamesare fun with a WiiMote but I am always wishing I had a classic controller for games that don't work with the classic controller like golf. Oh boy did you get it wrong Apple. Should have went with a regular controller. I definitely won't buy this Apple TV for my iPAD.
A baseball game with space robots is lamer than lame. Why not make a baseball with uh Baseball players? Am I making sense? Looks like!e shovelware acts like shovelware....OMG it is shovelware! The first line says its a blatant rip off off WiiSports. It's not a thing like WiiSports. At least Nintendo had the decency too add realism to WiiSports instead of shovelware looking characters. I think nk it looks terrible and I'm an apple user. No thanks. I'm still with you Nintendo.
To be fair (which is unusual for me, because I hate Apple), this "new" device is not a gaming console, because gaming seems not to be Apple's main focus with this device.
I usually don't read Kotaku, but this article seems to get it right: http://kotaku.com/apples-so-called-gaming-console-is-a-major-bust-1729655923
@damo: Sorry for beeing forthright, but the title of this article is really lurid!
That new Apple TV thing is not a Wii and not even a real gaming console. It's just an iOS thing. Apple doesn't focus on games with that, not more than it does with any Iphone or Ipad. And those Apps/Games can only take up to 200MB, so you really shouldn't take them serious.
And the Wiimote was copied a dozen times by now, has everyone forgotten Playstation's "move" controller?
@GreatPlayer @KDChronos @erv: It's not a gaming console! Just look it up.
Never mind what the tech can do, it's the games available that drive gaming console sales. If the games aren't there, then it just won't count in that sector. Guitar Hero, Disney Infinity etc are multiplatform games. Not bad if just aimed at casual gamers, but certainly doesn't have the appeal of a dedicated console with AAA title choice. It's just TV with a bit extra.
Apple TV is not going to take over the gaming world. For one thing there is way to much Shovelware in their market. Then there is the Huge price of some In-app purchasing. Some games could cost you up to well over 400.00 dollars. Gamers do not want that. Gamers do like this free gaming deal with Android and Apple but its really not free you don't get the whole experience unless your willing to pay admission. When I first saw this article a moment of terror swept over me. Then I watched the presentation. Showing shovelware isn't going to win hearts. Plus I don't think people are ready for an all digital system yet. All digital is coming though even from Nintendo.
I would bet that the version of Disney infinity might be like the 3DS version. For some reason the iOS store isn't exactly killing it with sandbox and or open world Titles. Neither is Wii-U for that matter.
Um... Has everyone forgot how "Apple-y" people said Wii was designed to look like.
I don't know how well Apple will do, but I DO think adding game function into Apple TV is a better move than Microsoft trying to go the opposite way with Xbox.
Looks and sounds like the new Apple TV is just a Amazon Fire TV and Google Nexus player with motion controls and a bit more social voice feature, but since it's Apple people (less tech savvy) will think it's revolutionary like always.
I like my Apple TV I got as a gift but I wish they would have more varieties in apps like the others.
I think a lot of you have forgotten... Whatever casuals Nintendo introduced to gaming with the Wii... have long since moved on to apple and mobile gaming ... Apple isn't behind the times... it's catering to the 90+ million users that migrated from Wii to iPad
no one does integration like apple, this will be great... I'll end up getting one eventually. But will me and my family game on it ... probably not. Thts what the NX is for.
There is plenty of room for all devices to exist in the same space. When TV came out did it kill movies? NO ... they evolved and things changed and now movies and television co-exist.
I think it's a fine product for Apple fans but just like everything else apple it's not of interest to me. Apple TV is what I hoped Nintendo TVii would be but Nintendo wasn't able to do more than a dumbed down TV Guide app.
All that said - what bothers me is Apple says "We invented motion controls! FIRST TIME EVEEERRRR!!!!" and thne apple suckers scream hallelujah and INNOVATIVE! AMAZING! MESMERIZING! And the rest of us are like "yay it's 2007 again!"
This looks horrible. The controller looks awfull, the gameplay looks awfull, the fact you need a $500 device to play a party game on multiplayer is awfull, the fact they ripped off the wii is awfull. This game is trash and the device is trash. Literally every company nowadays like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft has a simular product and the only difference is that the apple Tv has this abomination? This will not become a major gaming system. Amazon Fire TV can play games to and no one talks about it. This will barely succeed as a home entertainment device and won't get anywhere in the game console market. This game just looks just like the first stage of the Twilight Princess boss fight where you played vollyball with Zelda, accept worse.
No pointer, nor gamepad, nor nunchuck
No it is not a wii-remote like controller.
Is just a remote control with gyro sensors
Morons
Add me to the crew of folks happily living under their rocks.
I don't care about Apple, and have never owned any of their products. With that said, maybe this Apple console can at least keep the big three on their toes, if nothing else.
Dang, I live under a rock.
I've come here to say one thing: isn't it amazing how Apple is such an innovative company? Let's see: their "revolutionary" new iPad Pro is so revolutionary that Samsung only "copied" it 18 months ago. Not to mention the stylus isn't a $99 extra on the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. As for the "revolutionary" Apple TV? Welcome to 2006, Apple. Alas they have their brainwashed iSheep who'll line up at their holy shrine (aka the apple store) screaming "shut up and take my money!" SMH.
Lots of Apple hate here. I for one will be getting the new Apple TV. I love the Siri integration. The gaming is a footnote to me for the device but I have a second generation Apple TV now and use it almost every day. I'll probably use some of the apps since the App Store does have a good selection of items. It will be interesting to see what develops come up with. It could be a competitive device in gaming. I remember when Apple opened iPhone to developers, they tried very hard to stay out of the gaming space but developers brought them into it.
Looks like Rhythm Heaven Love it!
Apple: Nicking someone else's ideas since....the beginning!!
@CrazyMetroid Thanks haha
Hours of work was put into that!
@shani
What does game size have to do with anything? By that logic, you shouldn't take N64 games, or those of any other past consoles seriously either.
I doubt this is meant to compete with anything besides other Android consoles, although if it turns out well they just might look into the core market as well. They certainly hace the clout.
Hahahaha...
oh damn
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