On September 9th, 2015, well over 8 years after the first iteration launched, Apple announced that their new 4th generation Apple tv will finally, finally support games. In keeping with that theme of being 8 years late to the party, Apple also announced that the all new Siri Remote (the only controller to be included with the device) will be able to control games via motion. This will be achieved using an internal gyroscope and accelerometer, much like Nintendo's last generation console (and hit gaming sensation of 2007) the Wii.
Also like the Wii, Apple says it will be possible to play some games with a standard controller as well (though unlike the Wii, these controller can only be acquired from third-party manufacturers). While the ability to play games with standard controls is very welcome (especially considering how significantly the Wii motion controls eventually declined in popularity), the fact that the controllers will be sold separately (and not even by Apple) leaves open to question just how widespread compatibility will be.
As disgracefully late as it may be, it is nice to finally see Apple take the inevitable crack at the TV gaming system market. Let's hope that they can catch up quickly and actually try to come up with some innovations of their own for that space. The new Apple tv will become available sometime next month.
[Image: Apple]