Amazon.co.uk is restricting the number of Xbox 360 Consoles its punters can have to ensure that as many people can get hold of one in time for Christmas.

The new Xbox 360 is due to hit UK shops this Friday but reports suggest that only 300,000 consoles have made it to Europe.

Retailers have already warned that lack of supply will not meet the expected demand from gamers keen to get their hands on the latest kit. Some gamers were so eager to guarantee their supply they pre-ordered their console in the summer.

But in an email today Amazon.co.uk told them it would not honour multiple orders: "During this time of limited supply from the manufacturer, we want to ensure that as many of our customers as possible receive a console. Therefore, regretfully, we can only supply one Xbox 360 console per customer account at this time."

One downhearted fellow told us: "I pre-ordered three (one for me, two for presents) way back in August and now am told two days before launch that I am only getting one. I can see why they have done it; maximise the number of people they can make happy, but to be honest as I pre-ordered so early I am not really bothered that others didn't get in quick enough. Harsh I know but I think fair."

A spokesman for Amazon.co.uk said the restrictions only applied to the "enhanced" pack and that some people had placed orders of up to 20 consoles.

"We have to ensure that as many customers as possible can have an Xbox 360 for Christmas Day," he said. ®