Playstation fans turn to eBay

A Christmas shortage of Sony's new-look PlayStation 2 (PS2) has sparked a bidding war at online auction site eBay.

Last month, Sony reported temporary shortages of the new Slimline PS2 console, caused by production and shipping delays plus “overwhelming demand”.

The shortage could get even worse following reports today that a cargo ship carrying supplies from China for the whole of Europe is delayed in heavy traffic in the Suez Canal.

Retailers including Dixons, Toys 'R' Us, Virgin and Game have all reported shortages of the redesigned version, which is half the weight of the original design, with the internal volume reduced by 75 per cent.

Desperate shoppers have been bidding in their droves for a console, which retails at £99.99. There are tons of consoles on offer at the auction site, with many bids topping £150. One gamer paid £215 for a slimline PS2 last week.

Last month, sweet pickle lovers turned to auction site eBay amid fears of a shortage of Branston Pickle this Christmas.