Early reports indicate that a number of big and small-name retailers are already fresh out of PlayStation 3 Slim stocks, just a matter of days after the system went on sale.

Reports from America suggest that some stores began selling the redesigned system a little early, and as a result said stores are already fresh out of stocks following thin early shipments from Sony.

Nineteen units are left on Amazon.com at the time of writing, although it seems likely that of the console are doing well - ahead of the official September 1st launch.

In the UK, meanwhile, just two units are left on Amazon.co.uk ahead of the full debut - and will be heartened by the robust sales their re-priced, re-branded and re-designed system seems to be enjoying.

We'll keep you posted. The system will be with us officially as of tomorrow.

By Luke Guttridge