While thousands around the U.S. waited in long lines for the best Black Friday deals, many in the U.K. and other parts of Europe camped out in similarly long and cold lines in order to get their hands on Sony's next-gen console, which had its release across the pond last night, the PlayStation 4.

The launch was on a first-come first-serve basis for many areas and for most, it was the one and only way to ensure that they would be able to put a PlayStation 4 console under their tree for their loved one this holiday season.

According to BBC News, Amazon said customers who had not pre-ordered before November 13 would not be able to get their hands on a console before Christmas on Dec. 25.

"We are starting to sell out - very rapidly but [we] will continue to work with all parts of the supply chain including our partners at retail to get more, as and when we can," a Sony spokesperson told BBC in a statement.

The company reports seeing an unprecedented demand for the console and said it will be setting up a stock-tracker website to help customers trying to get their hands on the console, which is become more rare by the day.

With the European release, the PlayStation 4 is in a position to rival its competitor the Xbox One in most markets. The PlayStation 4 has been winning PR victories over its competitor from Microsoft ever since this year's E3 2013 gaming conference. Now the device is selling out more rapidly than the Xbox One. In addition, the Xbox One is experiencing many glitches and other issues at startup, which can't be inspiring confidence in its potential customers this holiday season.

Tell us where you landed between on Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4 this holiday season? Comment and share your thoughts with us below.