This news comes to us courtesy Wall Street Journal, a very reputable source that’s almost always correct with its leaks.

Here are some important quotes from the article:

Google Inc. is developing a videogame console and digital wrist watch powered by its Android operating system, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Internet company seeks to spread the software’s domination beyond smartphones and tablets and cement build the company ‘s reputation as a hardware maker.

With the watch and game console, Google is hoping to combat similar devices that Apple Inc. may release in the future, according to the people familiar with the matter.

Google is also preparing to release a second version of a Web-connected, Android-powered media-playing device, called Nexus Q, that was unveiled last year but not sold to the public, these people said.

The Internet giant hopes to design and market the devices itself and release at least one of them this fall, they added.

A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.

The hardware plans are the latest sign of Google’s determination to build on the success of Android, the software it launched in 2008 that powered 75% of all smartphones and 56.5% of tablets shipped globally in the first quarter, according to the research firm IDC.

Games that run on Android software have proved particularly popular, and they are growing much more quickly than games made for the big-name consoles supplied by Microsoft Corp., Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. The appeal of such games has prompted the development of new devices aimed specifically for Android by other hardware companies.

The people briefed on the matter said Google is reacting in part to expectations that rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.

Google has also been watching the efforts of Ouya Inc., a startup that this week began selling a $99 Android-based console and game controller, one of these people said.

So how do you guys feel about this? Will Google and Apple’s products hinder the success of PS4 and Xbox One? We have a few interesting months ahead of us, folks.

UPDATE: The patent involves Apple devices mimicking the functions of existing game controllers to be used in their stead, and not a controller Apple would create itself. Sorry for the confusion.

Original Story: Although the Cupertino, California-based company hasn’t made any official announcements, patents filed back in March, and published today, reveal a holy grail of information. The patent, seen here, shows not only patents of a game controller, but also how it’ll work with Apple TV and all other Apple products, including its phones, iPods etc. It seems to me the firm’s looking to interconnect all its devices, so doesn’t matter where you are, you’ll be able to access your content, including FIG. 6 of the patent, which “is a schematic of a video game controller for the standalone media player of FIG. 4 or a video game system”.

FIG. 4 is an Apple TV, which could easily become a video games console with an upgrade, and can already can play iOS games over airplay. Futurists have already predicted games being played on a TV as opposed to a videogames console a la PS3 and Xbox 360. Imagine what could happen if we don’t have to wait 6-7 years to get a decent hardware upgrade for games.

As stated earlier, the controller can also connect to an iPhone/iPod Touch and although the iPad is not in the patent drawings, I believe it’ll also be compatible. Connection is shown to be wireless, using Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and NFC tags, as opposed to the cable depicted in the drawings.

Here’s the thing, if Apple makes its rumored Apple TV gaming-ready with a controller to boot, and if it has the prowess to stand against whatever Sony and Microsoft will show, this industry we love so much will change forever.

Back in May, Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “Customers love games. I’m not interested in being in the console business in what is thought of as traditional gaming. But Apple is a big player today and things in the future will only make that bigger.”

This might just be the beginning of something disruptive.

Thanks, GR.