If any of you remember awhile back, rumors began pouring in about Apple CEO, Tim Cook, meeting with representatives from Valve. Then most recently, another rumored surfaced of a dedicated gaming console being incorporated into the up and coming Apple TV. Yesterday, Cook put an end to the rumors with an official statement.

Cook said, “I’m not interested in being in the console business in what is thought of as traditional gaming.” He went on to express that he does not look to compete with the big three. What is interesting is the use of the word “traditional” in his statement.

We all know that Apple has a decent grasp on the handheld market and even Cook himself recognized that fact. Is this what Cook considers to be unconventional then?

Cook closed with:

“I view that we are in gaming now in a fairly big way. One of the reasons people buy an iPod touch is gaming. Some buy it for music. Gaming has kind of evolved a bit. More people play on portable devices. Where we might go in the future, we’ll see. Customers love games.”

Do you think it would have been wise for Apple to throw it’s hat into the console market? With Valve’s grasp on the software side of gaming, coupled with an Apple platform, it could have been something to reckon with; or a flop. All of the rumors and Cook acknowledging their foothold on the market has to put some weight on the thought at least. What do you expect from Apple in the future in terms of gaming?