Even though the next-generation of game consoles won't hit the market until 2005 at the earliest, market researchers are already forecasting how well they will sell.

　　The answer? Very well indeed, according to a study released today by British firm research Juniper Research. The Juniper study predicts the wave of console that includes Sony's PlayStation 3, Microsoft's Xbox 2/Xbox Next, and Nintendo's as-yet-unnamed device will be among the best-selling electronics items in history, reaching $35 billion in sales by 2008.

　　The reason? Juniper games specialist Keri Allan says the presumed multimedia functionality of the as-yet-unseen consoles will be irresistible to consumers. "This functionality will help consoles to finally become a mainstream entertainment medium and put the stereotypical image of the 'computer gaming geek' to rest," said Allan. "Graphics and speed will evolve, but connectivity between devices will also come to the forefront."

　　The Juniper study also predicts good times ahead for the handheld market. The launch of the eagerly awaited Sony PSP this winter will boost handheld sales to $25 billion by 2008. However, the report also says two lesser-known portables--the Tapwave Zodiac and the Korean-made GamePark--will also be major players in the market, an assertion some industry-watchers might find questionable. Nokia's N-Gage was not mentioned.

　　One of report's more plausible prognostications was that current-generation console sales would continue to shrink as the new platforms' release approaches, even after a wave of expected price cuts later this year. "Price drops, bundling and add-ons will continue to be in favor, but savvy users will increasingly be holding- off making a purchase until the new hardware is ready in 2005," Allan noted.