Gamers have been busy with news circling the Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) and the Microsoft Xbox 720. Now both the gaming consoles may face another competitor as rumors indicate that Apple may launch a gaming console soon.

Speculations suggest that Apple has developed its own dedicated gaming controller for release at some point in the near future. If the rumors are to be believed, then Apple may also be preparing for a gaming console which may change the face of the video game industry.

"Long rumoured - and hoped for - GDC 2013 has finally provided confirmation that Apple will release its own dedicated game controller. Of course, there's no official word yet, but Apple has been active during the conference talking to developers about its plans and ensuring plenty of games will support the joypad at launch," reports PocketGamer.

PocketGamer also reports that multiple developer sources have confirmed the news of an Apple joypad to the website.

The popularity of iOS devices have grown rapidly in the last decade and within a short time the OS has become a major platform for game development. Previous games from unknown developers have been developed for iOS devices and are selling millions of copies. However, the touchscreen form factor of the devices may not provide the functionality and game play experience required by serious and dedicated gamers.

Apple is not the only company who is looking to dive in the deep waters of the gaming industry. Rival Samsung unveiled a physical controller along with the much-anticipated Galaxy S4 smartphone. Gaming company Ouya has also begun shipping its Android-based game console with the hopes of bringing the emotional element of traditional console gaming back in the increasingly mobile-dominated game sector.

Rumors are also surfacing that Apple may launch an Apple TV soon.