Google Developing a Video Game Console?

Microsoft and Sony will be entering a new generation of consoles later this year, joining Nintendo's Wii U in what is being called the next "console war." They aren't the only ones though, the Ouya launched earlier this week, selling out in less than a day, and even Mad Catz and NVIDIA are trying their hand at console development.

According to Wall Street Journal, Google might just be the next company to enter the fray, with reports indicating that they are currently developing an Android-based console of their own. The WSJ story couldn't name its sources, but the article claims that this device is part of a series of Google backed hardware projects, including an updated version of the Nexus Q streaming device and a new smartwatch.

It's interesting though that Google would even want to get involved in this sector. Android-based consoles are nothing new, with the Ouya, Project Shield, as well as the GameStick all working off of Android platforms. It's already a cluttered marketplace, and that's ignoring the fact that they will be going up against the Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo giants.

Arguably though, Google has just as many resources at their disposal as those three, albeit with far less experience in this market. The company has also been seeking to move into Apple's dominance of the mobile hardware business, and a game console might be the next step in building a broader, more far-reaching platform than the iOS.

A potential console could also allow Google to attract more software developers to the Android platform, weakening Apple's hold on the lion's share of the best apps and games.

Still, Google has not made any official comment on this report, and thus, it may turn out to be inaccurate information. It's no secret that Google is very interested in developing hardware, but that doesn't mean they're ready to move into an established market against companies that have decades more experience than them. If nothing else, this project could be years away from an official announcement, if it surfaces at all.