October 27, 2006 - We can see it now. Little Tarou-kun wakes up on New Years day expecting a new, next-generation gaming console as a gift for having endured a year of intense cram school sessions. But oh the disappointment when his parents hand him not a box containing a new console, but an envelope with a raincheck for one.

Mainichi Interactive reports today that Sony, anticipating potential PlayStation 3 shortages for the year-end sales season, has come up with a means of keeping from missing out on potential sales. In place of actual systems, potential PS3 owners in Japan will be able to purchase a voucher guaranteeing a system early next year.

Specifics were not provided from Mainichi, which cited as a source a speech given yesterday by Sony's Chief Financial Officer, Nobuyuki Oneda.

As far as we can tell, this plan concerns only the Japanese market. A good thing, as the whole raincheck thing probably wouldn't go over too well on our shores.

Thanks to http://ps3.ign.com/articles/742/742284p1.html for sharing the news with us!