The popular console by Sony has taken the nation by storm, an attractive video game system that is preceded by PlayStation and PlayStation 2. Sony’s computer division released the Playstation 3 earlier this year, and the holidays drove thousands of fans to local stores, along with mile-long waiting lists well before the release date.

The PlayStation 3 started out in pre-release for the year prior to its public launch, and millions of avid fans signed up to get the first set of consoles direct for the factory. If you weren’t able to get on a list or sign up early enough, there were still many ways to get involved.

Most computer and games stores offered the release of the Playstaion on November 11, 2006. Stores such as Best Buy, CompuUSA, and Circuit City offered special promotions for visitors to spend the late night hours in front of the store to get in line. This led to campouts and electronic store ‘sleepovers’ for many highly enthusiastic PlayStation 3 fans across the country. Europe, Australia, and Singapore aren’t expected to receive their versions until March 2007.

The PlayStation 3 cannot be found easily, especially since it flew off the shelves on its November 11 2006 launch date, and many people began listing it on EBay right away. EBay was perhaps the best way to get a completely perfect model and version of the PlayStation 3 close to its release date. Other options included pre-purchasing from the online request and roster, and lining up for at local electronics and computer stores for the first sets of consoles that hit retail stores.

Only a few thousands were manufactured and made available to the public on its release date. As a result, many people were unable to get their own set, unless they had pre-ordered it. Stores such as GameStop and EB Games accepted pre-orders through October with a reservation deposit, and all payment required at the date of release. There was also a limit of 1 per household.

Online, the PlayStation 3 can no longer be purchased directly from Sony because it is sold out. People who have one are auctioning them on sites such as EBay and Amazon.com. Independent sellers are also selling their products that include PlayStation 3 consoles and games. Craigslist and Classifieds sections of newspapers are also showing some indications of PlayStation 3 availabilities across different markets.

The high-priced PlayStation 3 is competing with Nintendo Wii for this buying season, and many fans of both consoles have varying opinions on the console’s value. Online, some stores participated in a pre-order program. However, once the PlayStation 3 became unavailable, it can now only be found online through auction sites and independent sellers.