Toy shops around the country are reporting a boost in sales of older toys, such as radio-controlled cars, wrestling figures and Barbie. The reprieve from modern technology will be brief, however, as the launch of the much awaited Playstation 3 console in March is set to send computer-friendly shoppers into overdrive. The new Sony product, which will also have wi-fi internet access, is being hailed as a revolutionary games console and is the most eagerly awaited computer product of recent years.

Originally billed as the 'must have' Christmas present of 2006, the European release of the Playstation 3 has been delayed until March. The computer gaming machine went on sale in Japan yesterday, although Sony made only 100,000 consoles available, which led to massive queues. The console will go on sale in America on 17 November. However, Irish people wanting to skip the queue by getting their Playstation 3 on a pre-Christmas shopping trip to New York will be disappointed . . .

only 400,000 are going on sale, most of which have been purchased in advance.

Sony's delay has given a boost to traditional toys and according to Maurice Doyle, manager of Toymaster in Finglas, toys such as wrestling figures and Dr Who dolls have made an unexpected comeback this year.

"It's hard to put your finger on a trend this year", he said. "There are a lot of toys making a big comeback . . .

things like radio-controlled cars and wrestling figures. Unlike other years, there doesn't seem to be one item that is running out of the shop. I think a lot of people are holding off until the playStation is launched in March".

Parents are not getting off lightly when it comes to damage done to the wallet, however . . .

the Fur Real Butterscotch Pony, retailing at 400, is proving popular with girls, while the Robosapien robot is proving a hit with boys at the price of 150.

The Butterscotch Pony is the biggest selling toy at the moment in Smyths toy stores nationwide. The interactive pony is narrowly out-selling Radio Control Little Cars and the Bratz Forever Diamondz and looks set to be this year's biggest selling Christmas present for girls.

Aiden Topley of Smyths also agreed that the delay of the playstation has led to a resurgence of interest in older toys.

"We're seeing a lot of traditional toys making a comeback, " he said.

"Heelies were very big in the summer, but I wouldn't expect them to sell as well in the run-in to Christmas. We're seeing new versions of older toys, such as Transformers and Tamagotchi making a big comeback and it looks like they will be the big sellers for Christmas".