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.