Play.com are currently taking pre-orders for PlayStation 3's - at a whopping £550 for a bundle including three games.
Although, and here's the rub, due to the expected shortages of the PS3, Play.com's site informs us that "we are unable to guarantee delivery of your PS3 before Christmas." Well, that's just super. They'll gladly take your hard-earned, but are not able to tell you when you'll get your PS3 super-computer home-entertainment mega-digital wonder machine.
"All pre-orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis and game titles in this package may be changed, subject to availability," the site says.
Whilst the official release date for the console is 17th November 2006, other retailers are being a little bit more cautious.
SPOnG just spoke with a Gamestation rep, who said: "We are currently not taking any more pre-orders for PS3s, as we don't want repeat of what happened last year with the 360, where customers who pre-ordered were unable to receive their console on or soon after launch, due to limited stock problems."
She continued: "Whatever changes may or may not happen with pricing from Sony, Gamestation will honour our RRP of £424.99 and we are currently working closely with Sony in order to make sure that any pre-orders we do take, once we open them up, are honoured on time."
"So for example, the first x number of people who preorder we will guarantee a time frame they will receive their console, and so on. We'll be releasing details on this in the near future."
She added: "Play.com charging £550 for this bundle and not guaranteeing pre-Xmas delivery is a little bit naughty in our opinion"
Should you wish to take a chance and order from Play.com then you can
go to Play.com and do so.You never know, you might even get one by Christmas. 2008.
We are currently also awaiting feedback from Game on this matter, so watch this space for an update.