A HUGE supply of the smash-hit console Nintendo Wii has hit British shops - sending prices tumbling.
Hundreds of small-time dealers are thought to be losing fortunes through an online bidding crash after thousands of units suddenly became available.
The most successful gaming console of 2007 was the most wanted item on Christmas shopping lists.
Some "shrewdies" at eBay stores believed they would make a killing by buying in as many Wii units as possible, hoping to double their cash through online bids by desperate parents.
But now, units selling in Argos and Currys for £230 are going on eBay for as little as £147.
Market analysts last night described the reversal in fortunes for consumers "something of a Christmas miracle". One added: "All the signs were that theWii supply would not meet the demand.
"People have stocked up on them hoping a deluge would force up the price. But the opposite seems to be the case."
"On the basis of previous years, that would have been very unlikely. There is always a product customers just can't get enough of."
There were more than 7000 units on eBay yesterday.