Since its launch 18 months ago, Apple's and iPod touch App Store has clocked in 3 billion downloads many of which are games - the most recent billion registering in the 3 months since the end of September.

To say that has momentum when it comes to digital downloads is an understatement. The App Store has proved a tremendous success, particularly with games, which make up a significant portion of those sales.

On average 10 million apps have been downloaded per day since the end of September to move Apple from the 2 billion mark.

This is big news for portable gaming where Apple is on the verge of dominating the market. Strong of iPod touch and the community's embrace of the platform could spell trouble for and in the year ahead.

By Tracy Erickson