Can iPhone game too?

Look out Sony and Nintendo. Apple could eventually get into the gaming market. No, not with a new gaming console, but rather with game offerings for the new iPhone. Thus far, Apple's new iPhone has touted as a phone, music player, digital camera, Internet browser, but games were nowhere when Mr. Jobs unveiled the sleek little multi-functional tool.

Just recently, Apple decided to offer downloadable games for its iPod music player, and as a result, game industry cognoscenti think popular titles will be introduced for the iPhone as well. "[Games] are one of the things people expect to do with these types of devices," says Garth Chouteau, a spokesperson for PopCap Games.

Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment according to redherring.com. However, don't be surprised if Apple does add a gaming function onto its iPhone as mobile gaming already is taking off. Research firm Strategy Analytics predicts mobile gaming will generate $4.7 billion worldwide by 2010, up from $2.1 billion at the end of 2005.

Mr. Choateau seems behind the idea even though his company has no definitive plans to do so. "Apple is once again pioneering here -- we're cheerleaders," he says.