While the alleged rumor that Apple CEO Tim Cook meeting with Valve’s esteemed Gabe Newell was recently put to rest, the prospect of an Apple or Valve console certainly sent the Internet into a dizzying state of speculation. Could the two software giants really come together to produce something to challenge the big three in the future? Would it even be a smart business move to enter the console market this late in the game? Let’s weigh the options:

Last week, I examined the possibility of a PC gaming world infused with the Mac platform, which provoked some thought as to whether or not Apple could actually deliver a quality gaming experience that catered to the incredibly demanding PC crowd. Despite almost never being completely satisfied, PC gamers are a dedicated and intelligent group of individuals that typically know quality when they see it. Although Apple doesn’t have the best reputation in PC gaming circles, Valve most certainly does, and teaming up with the popular developer could give Apple all the insight it needs to deliver a killer gaming experience to the masses with all the appropriate trimmings.

From a business standpoint, Apple has the money and the brand name to enter the console market with confidence, but will hardcore gamers respond with malice or interest? Although many don’t seem to identify it, Microsoft handles the Xbox 360 very similarly to the way that Apple approaches computing, that is, with a very tight-knit and selective mentality. Some hate this, while others appreciate the simplicity of knowing that their Xbox will accomplish everything it is asked to do (to steal an Apple slogan, “it just works”).

Does the gaming industry really need another developer to adopt the same approach to gaming, or could Apple deliver something so unique and polished that it could behave as a viable competitor to Microsoft’s gaming cash cow? With the PlayStation brand slowly becoming tainted by the hacking scandals and less-than-stellar online functionality alongside Nintendo’s motion-centric approach, could Valve and Apple potentially deliver a knockout console that gives the big guys a run for their money? The possibility is certainly there, and while Apple may not be the most well-versed company in gaming, with Valve as partner, it’s almost certain that the joint venture could result in something truly special.

What are your thoughts? Would you be interested in seeing another company enter the console market? Or is three already too many? Leave your thoughts below!

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