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Now that the holiday shopping season 2006 is underway, one common question facing consumers is where to find the new Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3). Predicted to be one of this seasons hottest items, the PS3 is expected to be difficult to find both online and in traditional brick-n-mortar stores throughout the Christmas shopping season.

When the ps3 officially hits stores on November 17th, there will most likely be a frenzy of consumers trying to locate units online and offline. One way to stay a step ahead of the competition in getting your hands on a ps3 unit is to sign up for one of the ps3 alert services available.

Earlier this year Sony offered a preorder on the ps3 and retailers which participated in the event had people lined up overnight just to have the opportunity to purchase the ps3 when it hit stores in November. The preorders, which allowed individuals to buy the ps3 at suggested retail price, are now selling for two or three times that amount on ebay and other popular auction websites.

The ps3 is Sonys answer to Microsofts xbox 360, which was one of last years most highly anticipated holiday gifts. One difference with the ps3 to last years Xbox 360 is the price tag. The ps3 has a significantly higher price tag at between $499 and $599 depending on what you want in the system. The price is higher because the technology is next generation. The ps3 games will be on Blu-Ray disc format, and the ps3 will be able to play Blu-Ray disc movies as well.

The ps3 faces stiff competition this year for consumers gaming expenditures. nintendo will launch its own next generation gaming system, called the Wii, on November 19th. Although the ps3 is expected to be more popular due to its large existing customer base, the Wii will be considerably cheaper to cost-conscious consumers.

No matter whether you are in the market for the Sony PlayStation 3, the nintendo Wii or some other popular holiday gift item, be prepared to spend a good time looking for the item. Several of the predicted hot selling holiday gifts are going to be scarce.