Mobile now accounts for half of all digital game downloads says NPD

And 60% of mobile gamers are still spending the same or more on console/handheld games.

Nearly half of all game downloads are now mobile games, according to the latest report from US market research firm NPD Group. The figures don't include micro-transactions and downloadable content.

NPD surveyed more than 8,200 people in the US for the report, which includes data on the impact mobile gaming is having on use of traditional consoles and handhelds.

According to the report, even for hardcore gamers - those using a console for online gaming - the biggest share of full-game digital downloads purchased is for mobiles. Note, we're talking units here, not value.

"It is important to keep in perspective that the full-game price points on mobile devices are generally lower than those for console and portables systems , so mobile's full game download unit share does not translate to a comparable level of consumer spend," says NPD's Anita Frazier.

So, is this growth in mobile gaming cannibalising people's spending on traditional games? NPD says that when it asked people who've bought a mobile game in the last three months, 60% said they are still spending the same or more on console and handheld games since starting to buy mobile titles, while 40% say they are spending less.