Will Apple's iTV come with a gamepad?

Rumour has it that Apple is all but set to relaunch Apple TV with a new name and access to the App Store. With around 50 per cent of apps sales going to game developers, does this suggest a bigger push into the TV/console gaming space?

Engadget first reported the rumour, based on a secret source, saying that Apple will rename the media box iTV, which will use Apple's A4 processor and will allow users to install apps. While the idea of apps is great, there would be little use in installing a game like Plants vs. Zombies without also having a new and innovative way of controlling the action.

This controller would need to perform a few different actions too, planting zombie-fighting sunflowers is one task, but entering text into services like Facebook and Twitter would also need to be considered. In theory, Apple could create a link between iPhones, iPods and iPads over Bluetooth to use as controllers, but while this would be fine for keyboard entry, it is likely to frustrate gamers as much as trying to control games with virtual thumb-sticks on these touchscreen devices.

The Cupertino company could also make use of the newly released Apple Magic Trackpad for controlling the touchscreen elements of apps, and an Apple wireless keyboard for tweeting. This combo makes sense, but seems clunky compared with a new all-in-one control designed specifically for this purpose.

There's another supposed shortcoming in the works for iTV, Engadget's source is reporting that the A4 processor will prevent the iTV from displaying 1080p quality content, a shame for anyone hanging out for 1080p pineapples in Fruit Ninja, or HD video playback.