http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004550053,00.html
EXCLUSIVE
PS2 in console crisis
By JONATHAN WEINBERG
A CRIPPLING shortage of PlayStation 2 consoles this Christmas has forced desperate shoppers to pay up to a whopping £400 on eBay.
Stocks of the £100 games machines have run dry across Britain since makers Sony launched a new-look PS2 last month, which is half the weight and half the thickness.
But massive worldwide demand for the machine coupled with production problems has left the firm struggling to fill the shelves.
Many shops have started waiting lists for customers, but after being overwhelmed with requests, high street chain GAME has stopped taking £50 pre-order deposits.
PlayStation 2 spokesman David Wilson said they would start shipping machines this weekend but could not confirm there would be enough to meet the fierce demand.
He said: "We are experiencing temporary shortages and at this time there is no stock of PlayStation 2. However special measures have been put in place to overcome the gap in stock, and we will be re-supplying our retailers at the beginning of next week."
Six million of the original PlayStation 2 machines have been sold in the UK since it was released in November 2000.
But industry experts claim this hitch could prove a massive disaster for the industry, which sees nearly half of its yearly sales in the Christmas run-up.
Johnny Minkley, editor of gaming trade bible MCV, said he found one slimline PS2 sold for £400 on eBay on Tuesday.
He said: "When gaming should be shooting to success in the busiest time of the year, we have empty shelves.
"It's a little hard to believe that massive demand wasn't anticipated and prepared for but to Sony's credit, it's doing everything it can to get as many into shops.
"But no-one's sure how many, so there could be some very disappointed people come Christmas morning."
He added Xbox numbers were also "touch and go" and believes the PS2 shortage may fuel such large demand for Microsoft's £99 console that it too could sell out.
Both companies are already locked in a fierce price war after slashing their prices earlier this year.