PlayStation 3: Sold in 6 Seconds

It is no secret to everyone that the PlayStation 3 is hot property. But what you didn't know is that it takes only 6 seconds to sell a Sony next-gen, on eBay that is.

According to a Terapeak Marketplace Research study, on November the 18th, a PS3 was finding a new owner on eBay every six seconds. Some 2200 PS3s were sold in just 26 hours, from 8 am until 10 am the next day, with more than 35, 00 consoles listed on the online auction website between November 16 and November 22.

Don't get all excited about getting a PS3 just yet, the average eBay price for a Sony next-gen is more than double the original retail price. The average selling price of a PS3 on November 18 was "only" US$ 1,243, and the average price for the period between 16 and 22 of November being just a little bit higher, namely US$ 1.276.

This Terapeak study which comes via 1up.com also reveals that not every auction was successful. Out of 35,521 PS3s listed between 16 and 22 of November, only 28,546 auctions were successful, namely that 6,975 PS3 buyers ended up empty handed. So, if you were planning on getting a PlayStation via eBay, please be attentive of wise guys and swindlers.

You might say that those buying PS3s on eBay are idiots as they are paying much more than the console is really worth. I happen to agree with you and promise not to give in to those trying to make a fast buck on gamers' expense. I'd like to know if this study takes into consideration the time it takes to place a bid (some 3 seconds), because if this delay is not counted, then their whole study is wrong!