According to statements in British trade publication MCV, Sony is talking with British retailers about requiring a substantial deposit (150 pounds, about $270 US) for its next-gen console, the Playstation 3. The article states that this measure is being considered to stop eBay speculators from creating a repeat performance of the Xbox 360 launch.  During that launch, numerous reports were received of enterprising individuals buying several Xbox 360 consoles on release day to sell on eBay, using the console shortage to drive up prices substantially.

With numerous reports of part shortages and low chip yields, the Playstation 3 could see a similar shortage - but it’s questionable just how much this sort of a deposit would deter eBay speculators. And instead of requiring a Wii-sized deposit, couldn’t Sony just require stores to sell only one or two consoles per person? We’ll keep our eyes open to see if this sort of a deposit scheme makes it state-side.