Sony's PlayStation 3 has gone on sale for £550 on the Play.com website.

The next-generation games console is available to pre-order, with an expected shipping date of 15 November 2006.

However, in a move that is guaranteed to draw in eager gamers, Play.com is warning customers that there may not be enough consoles to go around.

"Due to an expected European shortage of the PS3, we are unable to guarantee delivery of your PS3 before Christmas," the listing said.

"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 price quoted on the site is also higher than the expected £425, although Play.com is listing the version with a 60GB hard drive.