"Sony will continue its domination of the video console market through 2010," says analyst firm In-Stat despite the delay announced in the lauch of the company's PS3 console.

Last week's announcement by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc (SCEI) for the late introduction of its PlayStation 3 game console was seen by many as a chance for Microsoft to consolidate its early lead in the next-generation console market.

According to Recent In-Stat research on the global market for line-powered video game consoles only published this month, however this delay is unlikely to hurt SCEI in the long run.

The market research called Video Game Consoles 2006: Microsoft Launches Next Generation, Sony Dominates Current Generation claims that the PS3 will account for slightly more than 50 per cent of all next-generation console sales through 2010, extending SCEI's domination of the game console market.

Microsoft will take 28.6 per cent of sales, while Nintendo's Revolution console will have a market share of 21.2 per cent, it says.

The relatively early launch of the Xbox 360 will not threaten sales of the PlayStation 3, Microsoft's head start will give it an edge over Nintendo, In-Stat said. Other factors that will boost Xbox 360 over the Revolution are its strong market position in North America and appeal to older gamers, reveals In-Stat.

Finally, this year is expected to be the slowest year in terms of console sales concludes the research. Sales this year are expected to be around 25 million units. This figure will rise to about 39 million next year and hit 42 million in 2008.