The study found that 78 per cent of handheld video game systems purchased were given to kids, while 56 per cent of portable digital media devices, like iPods (or any device capable of storing and playing digital media), were given to children.
According to the survey, there are now almost as many American kids using computers (73 per cent) as there are watching television (74 per cent).
60 per cent of parents surveyed said their children were currently using a handheld or portable gaming system.
NPD also noticed a decline in children's usage of consumer electronics. Anita Frazier, industry analyst, for the NPD Group said: "In terms of kids’ usage of new devices, one consideration to keep in mind I the fact that the novelty of these new devices may be leading kids to a shorter-term change in behaviour.
"Kids who have access to a media tablet may temporarily put down their portable video game system but not necessarily move away from it."