It's possible - just possible - that Christmas won't be spoiled for thousands of children this year after Sony said it would do all it can to increase stocks of its PlayStation 2 Games console.

The company today confirmed that "production and shipping delays" coupled with an "overwhelming demand" has led to "temporary shortages of the new Slimline PS2 console".

Reports are circulating that punters are so desperate to get their hands on the new machines that they're stalking auctions on eBay prepared to pay over the odds for the consoles.

Said the company in a statement: "Limited supplies of the new slimline PlayStation 2 are being shipped into retail outlets this week. Further shipments will be made during December, however there may still be a shortages in your local store."

A spokesman told The Register: "We've been out of stock for the last two weeks but they should be back in stores now." Asked whether supply would meet demand a spokesman said: "We'll do our best." ®

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