IndustryGamers - Informing the Games Industry

Apple Reveals New iPod Touch as Game Center Launches Next Week

Posted September 1, 2010 by Ben Strauss

Steve Jobs today at the special Apple event seemed pretty pleased with how the iPod Touch and iPhone have been outselling Nintendo’s DSi and Sony’s PSP.  Apple is finally showing off their planned game service at their special event in San Francisco. Apple plans to add support for friends lists, matchmaking and a unified multiplayer gaming experience for the iPhone in next week’s release of Game Center for the iOS 4.1.

Game Center also features persistent screen names, enhanced multiplayer functionality and score comparisons. Searching for new games will also be enhanced, as related games will be easier to discover.

Alongside the Game Center news came the unveiling of a new model for the iPod Touch, one that will be compatible with the iOS 4.1 and Game Center. Apple has put an A4 chip into the new device, as well as a 3-axis gyroscope and upgraded the screen with a Retina Display (just like iPhone 4). The new model even features a front-facing camera (again like iPhone 4).

Owners of the iPad looking for matchmaking and more will have to wait until November, when iOS 4.2 is released, which will bring Game Center to the tablet.

The new iPod Touch will be available in a 8GB model for $229, a 32GB model for $299 and a 64GB model for $399. It is currently available for pre-order.

Ben is a recent graduate of Xavier University.  You can see him ramble on about gaming, gamification, military-related gaming and manly things on his Twitter @Sinner101GR.