Midnight vigil for PlayStation 2 shoppers

Gamers hoping for a PlayStation 2 (PS2) before Christmas have from midnight tonight until this weekend to pre-register for the £299 console or risk missing out, according to Dixons.

Sony's successor to the PlayStation, some 5.6 million units of which have been sold in the UK since 1995, has been hit by a delayed UK launch and stock shortages resulting from Sony's need to feed Japanese and US demand.

Would-be purchasers can pre-register their interest from tomorrow morning, although some London stores are opening for two hours at midnight on Wednesday.

The PS2 won't actually be launched until 24 November at a suggested price of £299, and a maximum of 200,000 units are expected to arrive in the UK during the first month. In Japan, Sony sold one million consoles on its launch day in March.

However, the company has taken the unusual step of introducing pre-registration to avoid confusion and ensure that dedicated gamers don't miss out because of the stock shortages.

A Sony spokesperson said the company could guarantee supply by Christmas by restricting the number of forms made available to shops. Those pre-registering should receive a letter from Sony within a few days confirming that they have joined the waiting list.

Dixons reports that it expects its allocation of stock to be sold out in two to three days. The high street giant is asking for a £25 deposit and will only take one pre-registration per household.

See also:

Sony won't fulfil PlaySation 2 quota

Sony has admitted it is unable to fulfil its pre-Christmas quota for PlayStation 2 units and will be as many as 35,000 units short.  15 Nov 2000

Staying ahead of the game

The next generation of games consoles promise mass-market appeal for players and vendors alike, with a battle royal looming between Sony and Microsoft for the lion's share of the action. We examine the future of home entertainment.  10 Aug 2000

Delayed PS2 hits new storm over price

Sony has contested claims that it is 'ripping off' UK consumers with the launch of its Playstation 2 console - which can be pre-ordered from shops here next month.  09 Aug 2000

PlayStation 2 European debut delayed

Sony's PlayStation 2 video games console will go on sale in Europe a month later than expected because of strong demand in Japan and the US.  04 Aug 2000

Sony announces pocket Playstation

PlayStation fiends everywhere will be able to feed their thumb-twiddling habit on the move, thanks to Sony's surprise announcement on Thursday morning in Japan of a new portable Playstation platform.  09 Jun 2000

Sony announces PlayStation 2 peripherals

Sony spelt out plans in Tokyo yesterday to launch the long-awaited hard disk drive and ethernet connector for the PlayStation 2.  09 Jun 2000

Microsoft steps into game console arena

Microsoft has shaken up the video games industry by lifting the lid on its top-secret console, codenamed X-box.  04 May 2000

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