Both models of the PlayStation 3 have been selling at an unbelievable mark-up on eBay Austria following the release of the console in Japan, with prices reaching as high as €1.250 for a 60GB version with three unconfirmed games—and an astonishing extra €55 in shipping costs.

Further to this flurry of mainland European daylight robbery (compounded by retail importer Lik-Sang’s recent pummelling at the hands of Sony), earlier this week eBay UK announced strict limitations on the sale of PlayStation 3s by its sellers. But now eBay UK has gone one step further and completely banned sales of PlayStation 3 hardware and software before February of 2007—which is when UK pre-orders officially open. Even when the February restriction elapses, eBay’s seller will still be limited to selling only one PS3 unit, and that must have been purchased within the European Union.

Over the other side of the pond, it’s been reported (by the Associated Press) that only eBay sellers who’ve bid in more than 50 auctions and have a minimum of 98% feedback may offer up PS3 pre-orders. Also, those sellers must provide a genuine photo of the pre-order receipt and list the unit for open auction, not as a "Buy It Now" option.

Considering that only a meagre 150,000 to 200,000 PlayStation 3 units are expected to be available over the course of today (the official launch), it’s safe to say that eligible eBay sellers will certainly be able to shift their products at outrageous prices, auction or otherwise, the ‘must have’ fever will surely produce insane bids.