"Dedicated gamers have started queuing for the long-awaited Xbox 360 which makes its debut in the UK at midnight.

Microsoft's machine is the first next generation games console to go on sale, ahead of those from Sony and Nintendo.

But retailers have warned that fans may be disappointed as most shops have already sold out of all their stock due to limited supplies.

Some gamers have been expressing their frustration at the expected shortage of Xbox 360s in online forums.

Supply and demand

The Xbox 360 is one of the most eagerly-awaited consumer electronics debuts of the year.

It is vying with Apple's iPod and Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) at the top of many people's Christmas lists.

The console sold out quickly when it was released in the US last week, with some machines subsequently appearing on the online auction site eBay for inflated sums.

The Xbox 360 will get its official midnight launch at video game retailer Game's flagship store in London's Oxford Street.

A Game spokesperson said some 200 fans were expected to queue up in advance, though only those who placed pre-orders would be allowed in.

The retail chain which includes Currys, Dixons and PC World has said it will have a limited number of the basic Xbox 360 package in stores.

Tesco has also said it will have limited supply of the consoles on sale in 130 of its largest stores from midnight." [more]