Tech giant Apple Inc. has announced the vision for its next generation Apple TV that may turn out to threaten Nintendo's Wii U.
According to Nintendo, there are no plans of talking about the NX platform so that the company can continue pushing for its Wii U agenda.
However, Apple TV gaming has an advantage over the Wii U, which may outcompete the Nintendo's console in terms of sales. Apart from offering a myriad of media streaming applications, the Apple TV also plays simple games at a friendly price of $150. While Apple TV's new graphics hardware does not hold candle to the aggressive GPUs of PS4 and Xbox One, the type of software it aims to provide could be a true threat for Nintendo.
The "Super Mario Maker" corporation is reputable for making games particularly designed for casual audiences that may not focus so much on specific mechanics. In 2006, games were excited with the introduction of Wii and "Wii Sports." Nintendo had achieved a great deal, but that was before smartphone games started flowing into the market.
The new Apple TV represents a move by Apple to outcompete Nintendo out of the casual console gaming environment. Apple captures the attention of its audience with simple, family-friendly titles such as "Disney Infinity", "Crossy Road," and "Skylanders." Harmonix's "Beat Sports" game from Apple allows gamers to swing their TV remote to hit baseballs the same way it was done on the Wii for many years.
As opposed to the Nintendo's peripheral-infused technique, multiplayer experiences on Apple TV are interesting through the iOS devices owned by family members. Therefore, the barrier for entry is reduced because the company leverages familiar technology. Most importantly, Apple TV games will reportedly support cross-buy features between mobile devices and TV, which implies that a person can enjoy its app right away on the big screen.
Nintendo's next flagship has to offer at least one wonderful unique feature that Apple TV does not have so that it can remain competitive in the casual console niche, Business Nikkei pointed out.