Parents desperate to get hold of an Xbox 360 in time for Christmas are bidding double the shop price at online auction house eBay.

The games and entertainment system hits the shops at the end of this week. But almost all of Britain’s supply has been reserved and even people who have ordered it already may have to wait until January to get theirs.

The shortage has prompted an eBay frenzy, with the £209 Microsoft console receiving bids of up to £420 and the £279 package, which includes games and accessories, attracting bids of around £550.

It is thought sellers may have ordered prior to release just to make a quick profit online. eBay’s Charlie Coney said: “We have no qualms in people selling something such as the Xbox 360 for a healthy profit - after all, more than 10,000 people in Britain make a living trading on eBay.”

He advised bidders to buy safely by checking eBay’s feedback on each seller.

About 100,000 Xboxes go on sale across Europe on Friday but both Woolworths and HMV say all their stock has been pre-ordered.

Retail chain Gamestation says even pre-orders may not be filled until after Christmas.

The 360 plays computer games with realistic graphics and can play music, TV shows and DVDs.

Microsoft expects to supply up to three million worldwide within three months but it has admitted there will be shortages up to Christmas.

Neil Thompson, UK Xbox director, said: “Xbox 360 is the hottest gift this Christmas and will be hard to find but we’re working hard to ensure there’s a regular replenishment of stock to retail.”

Many of the consoles on eBay are from America, where the system went on sale last week. More than 5,000 were sold on the site over the first 24 hours.

Posted: 11|30|05 at 9:46 am. Filed under: UK News.