"If you haven't put your pre-order in for a new Xbox already, chances are there'll be temper tantrums on Christmas morning.

As the dust settles on the Xbox 360 US launch party in the Mohave Desert, Microsoft is gearing up for the console’s UK launch next Friday, 2nd December.

Similar scenes to those experienced across the Atlantic are expected, as shops throw open their doors at 12.01 am and eager gamers queue in the freezing cold in the hope of bagging the new console in time for Christmas. Microsoft will also be holding an exclusive party at nightclub Cirque in London to coincide with the launch.

However, as the US experienced, a lot of shoppers are likely to go home empty-handed and disappointed due to a shortage of 360s in shops.

Both Woolworths and HMV, two of the high street’s largest retailers of computer games, have already reported that they will have no Xbox 360s available on 2 December due to all stock being pre-ordered. HMV has confirmed it won't be opening at midnight." [more]