Hopeful computer game fans have begun queuing at stores around the country ahead of the UK launch at midnight tonight of the Microsoft Xbox 360 - but many seem certain to be disappointed.

Despite the company's promise to charter "every plane and ship we can" to get the shops restocked, British retailers are complaining that Microsoft has underestimated demand for the new machines, described by a Sunday Times reviewer as a "gaming powerhouse". Most have already sold out of pre-ordered stocks, leaving only a few to go on the shelves.

"We have had twice as many pre-orders as we have stock currently," HMV told The Times last week. "There will be no Xbox 360s for the casual buyer on December 2."

Woolworth’s said: "We’ve sold out completely. No Xbox 360s will be on sale on the launch date."

As queues lengthened at Asda supermarkets in Manchester and Birmingham, the company said it had contacted Microsoft to raise concerns about the number of consoles available.

"Our gripe is that they have seriously underestimated demand and haven’t produced enough to go round," Asda’s non-food director, Tony Page, said. Asda is selling the console in 97 stores and expects them to sell out within 30 minutes of the midnight launch.

Currys, Dixons and PC World expect to have a limited number of the basic Xbox 360 packages in stores from tomorrow, and Tesco will have a limited supply in its larger stores from midnight tonight.

Neil Thompson, head of Xbox in the UK, denied that Microsoft had let fans down by failing to provide enough consoles ahead of Christmas. "We are working 24 hours a day with the factories and 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," he said.

The supply problems result from Microsoft’s ambitious plans for a near-simultaneous worldwide release of the console. Electronics companies usually allow several months between Far Eastern, European and American launches so that they can build up stocks, but Microsoft has crammed its Xbox 360 launches into a period of a few weeks.

The company hoped to gain an advantage over its Japanese rivals by releasing the next-generation console in as many markets as possible in time for the Christmas rush. Sony and Nintendo both plan to release new consoles early next year.

Last week, some American consumers whose consoles developed faults soon after the US launch on Tuesday accused Microsoft of rushing the product to market before it was ready. The company admitted to receiving "a few reports of consoles here and there not working properly," and said it would repair or replace any faulty equipment.

The basic UK version of the Xbox 360 costs £209.99 while a higher-specification model, including a detachable hard drive and wireless controllers, sells for £279.99. Those unwilling to wait until stocks are replenished could try their luck on the online auction site eBay, but they will need deep pockets. One Xbox 360 package was on offer at £680, including delivery.

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