I know what you are thinking: but Apple doesn't have a console for the controller to work with. They do have Apple TV, though, and the patent they recently filed reveals that they are doing research on a 3D remote control system that would imitate the Wiimote's functionality, also adding their famous touch technology into the mix.

The patent filing is actually from November 2006, but was just published this week. Here is a bit more from the filing itself:

[The] remote control system also can include optional console. Console can have controller that can perform some or all of the processing described for controller," the filing states in an obvious reference to Apple TV. "Console also can have one or more connectors to which accessories can be coupled. Accessories can include cables and/or, game cartridges, portable memory devices (e.g., memory cards, external hard drives, etc.), adapters for interfacing with another electronic device (e.g., computers, camcorders, cameras, media players, etc.), or combinations thereof."

Speculation points in the direction of Apple TV going for a casual games approach rather than the hardcore, but since Nintendo has been tremendously successful with the casual titles they have released for the Wii, it seems it may be a good direction to head in for Apple. The most interesting related comment of all in my opinion came from Greg Canessa of PopCap games, who mentioned Apple TV as a platform for casual gaming in the next five years:

"[Casual games] are going to continue to grow into non-core demographics," he added. "This is relevant as it pertains to devices that are not currently earmarked as gaming devices: mobile, set-top boxes, Apple TV, MP3 players and other devices in the home that will reach the non-gamer --  people who don’t think they want to play."

Well, if Apple takes on the gaming world, we could see something truly amazing coming our way, considering the ubiquitous popularity of their products. What do you think?

[Via Apple Insider -- Thanks, Jonathan]