Apple is preparing to launch an all new Apple TV in the upcoming iPhone 6S event. The set-top box is expected to come with a new remote which is widely believed to double as a video game controller.
The news about the new Apple TV as console type gaming device was first reported by The New York Times. The report added that on this particular release of the Apple TV, the tech giant is focusing heavily on gaming and that the remote is required in order to play titles on the new console-like device.
Jackdaw Research chief analyst Jan Dawson told The New York Times, "I think Apple's going to create a big new category in gaming, one that others have tried and failed to create before. What the Apple TV has the potential to do is to bring casual gaming to the living room and make it a much more social activity."
Apple is among the biggest tech companies in the world and many analysts believe that this type of hype is enough to propel the Apple TV on top of the gaming market. On the other hand, established brand like Sony PlayStation or Microsoft Xbox also presents serious competition to Apple.
Both consoles, PlayStation and Xbox, have a strong hardcore fan base and both are at the bleeding edge of console gaming in terms of technology. On top of that, both consoles also offer exclusive video game titles which hinders there fans from switching systems.
While the PlayStation and Xbox are focused on hardcore gamers, Apple TV's main target are the casual gamers. The introduction of a less complicated controller as well as simple video game titles could be the ace that will propel Apple TV to success.
According to BGR, the new Apple TV is rumored to fetch a starting price of around $150. The price tag is also a major factor that could affect the sales performance of the device. Currently, consoles from Sony and Microsoft has a price tag between $300 and $500.