GAMES fans in Huddersfield may be left twiddling their thumbs this Christmas after supplies of the coveted XBOX 360 failed to materialise.

Die-hard enthusiasts queued outside Gamestation in New Street, awaiting a midnight opening.

There were also queues at Tesco and Asda stores in Huddersfield.

But many fans face having to wait until after Christmas for the next generation of the consoles.

Matt Fuller, a spokesman for MVC, Huddersfield, said: "We only had four consoles available, and two of those were pre-ordered.

"We may not get any more until after Christmas."

The console not only plays computer games, but allows users to watch DVDs, listen to CDs and enables free phone and video calls over a built-in broadband link.

The poor estimation in demand has hit the UK hard, with retail outlets throughout the country turning away disappointed gamers.

At spokesman for Gamestation in Huddersfield said: "The number of pre-ordered consoles has meant we had few to put on the shelves."

Many fans blame makers, Microsoft, for underestimating the demand for the consoles.

Neil Thompson, head of XBOX in the UK, said: "The factories are working 24 hours a day and we are chartering every plane and ship we can, but demand is exceptionally strong and there are times when people won't get it when they want it."

Asda non-food director Tony Page said: "As predicted, we counted them in and counted them out quick as a flash.

"Someone at Microsoft seriously needs their ears Xboxing for failing to give us enough to go round."

The XBOX 360 has been launched in two versions retailing at £209.99 for the basic model, or a £279.99 version which includes a built in hard-drive and accessories.

Microsoft expects to sell up to three million worldwide within three months.

The demand for the next generation console has seen it make a number of appearances on internet auction site e-bay, for massively inflated prices, averaging around £1,000.