Microsoft's Donahue, citing unnamed forecasters, predicted that up to 9 million DirectX 10 graphic cards or chip sets will be on the market by the end of this year.

Microsoft is also working closely with game developers to train them in DirectX 10, though it is stopping short of offering financial incentives to move to the new platform.

"I'd be very surprised to see any games that hit the market from this point forward straight out not support Windows Vista," he said.

But others equally plugged into game developers doubt such a quick timetable.

"DirectX 10 is a different way of programming. It's harder," Nvidia's Vivoli said. "I think it will take 12 to 18 months before we start to see all of the gaming titles coming out on DirectX 10."