Speaking with Reuters, iSuppli analyst Pamela Tufegdzic predicted that the 2008 will be the turning year for Sony’s PlayStation 3. Released in November 2006 in Japan and in the US and in March 2007 in Europe, PlayStation 3 didn’t manage to match the sales of its rivals, Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360.

But the things are about to change, believes Pamela Tufegdzic. "2008 will be a turning year for the PS3," said Tufegdzic for Reuters. "Sony is offering a better forthcoming software pipeline with blockbuster titles like "Gran Turismo 5", which will boost PS3 sales this year."

In fact this is not the first time when iSuppli predicts that PS3 will emerge as the winning gaming console.

In a forecast released last month iSuppli estimated PS3 sales will reach 20.3 million units in 2008, up from the 10.3 million sold worldwide in 2007.

However, Nintendo’s little wonder gadget, Nintendo Wii, will continue to lead the sales and iSuppli predicted it will overcome Microsoft’s Xbox 360.

According to the data released by iSuppli, Xbox 360 has sold 18.2 million units in 2007, while Nintendo Wii sold only 18 million.

During 2008, the global installed base for the Wii will rise to 30.2 million units and total 2008 sales for the Xbox 360 will reach 25,7 million units, iSuppli noted.

Now, in his interview with Reuters, iSuppli Pamela Tufegdzic predicted that Sony will cut again the price of its console. Also, she said that the consumers that initially bought a Wii will turn their attention to PS3.

"We anticipate Sony will have another price slash on the PS3 this year, and come Christmas, consumers who originally bought the Wii will likely purchase the PS3," she said.

Meanwhile, Sony announced June 12 as the official release date of its exclusive game, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots. It is believed that the new title will boost the sales of PS3, in the same manner as Halo 3 did for Xbox 360 during last year.