The worldwide video game market is expected to grow to $US47 billion in 2009, up from $33 billion in 2006, according to a new report from DFC Intelligence. The newest generation of video game consoles is driving this growth, despite uncertainty over the three major video game console systems: Sony PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii and the Microsoft Xbox 360. Based on sales so far, DFC raised its forecast for the Nintendo Wii and the PlayStation 3 and lowered its forecast for Xbox 360. It estimates the combined cumulative worldwide sales for the three systems will reach 180 million-210 million units by 2012. DFC expects Wii to be the biggest seller at least through 2008, and PlayStation 3 game revenue to start growing in 2009. “Xbox 360 will need to build a strong base outside North America to avoid being a fairly distant third,” says DFC analyst David Cole. DFC also expects a continued strong performance for the portable game market. “Revenue from portable game software has more than doubled in recent years and we think that the Nintendo DS could eventually become the best selling game system ever in five years,” Cole added.