A new survey shows that the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch have surpassed Sony PSP as a gaming platform in the United States and have almost caught up with Nintendo's DS, according to "GamePro" (http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/216511/apple-closes-in-on-nintendo-p...).

According to a survey from the International Gamers Survey 2010 from market research and consulting firm Newzoo, 77 million Americans play games on mobile phones and portable devices. Of those, 40.1 million use the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. The platform of choice for 41.0 million ages 10 and up is the Nintendo DS and DSi.

"GamePro" says that 18 million Americans play using Sony’s PSP. The survey also reveals that two-thirds of PSP and iPad users play games at least three days a week, compared to 50% on the DS, DSi, iPhone and iPod touch. Players willing to spend money on games is highest on Nintendo devices (67%) and PSP (66%) compared to the iPhone/iPod touch (45%) and iPad (32%).

A majority of the 160 million Americans playing computer games also play on other platforms, according to the data. "GamePro" notes that almost 14 million of Nintendo DS/DSi users (34%) also play games on an iPod touch. The data also shows that nearly 90% of people gaming on the iPad also use an iPhone or iPod touch.

Even though most games for Apple platforms tend to be cheaper, DS and PSP gamers tend to spend more money buying games, notes "GamePro." Approximately 53% of DS/DSi and 59 of PSP owners spend more than US$10 a month on games, compared to 38% for the iPhone and iPod Touch. the iPad has the highest number at 72%.