eBay blocks users from selling PlayStation 3 units

Online auction site eBay has taken tough measures against users attempting to sell PlayStation 3 consoles in both the US and UK.

As of yesterday morning, British eBayers have been forbidden from selling PS3 units and games on the site until February 2007. Even then, each seller will only be able to offer one PS3, which must have been purchased within the EU.

Sellers must also guarantee dispatch within 30 days and can only accept payment via PayPal.

In the US, only sellers who have already taken part in 50 auctions or more and have at least 98 per cent feedback may offer PS3 pre-orders, according to an Associated Press report.

In addition, sellers must guarantee 30 day dispatch, provide a photo of the pre-order receipt and list items as auctions rather than "but it now" items which people can purchase instantly.

eBay's Catherine England told the AP that the measures had been introduced to avoid a repeat of previous console launch situations which saw "a high number of well-intentioned sellers unable to meet obligations due to restricted supply".

Reports are also circulating that Japanese gamers are driving up the price on PS3 orders in the Far East in order to disrupt the practices of sellers who queued up to buy a console they specifically intended to resell.

PlayStation 3 launches in North America tomorrow.