Tokyo-based software firm Konami says early indications show the game has sold around 200,000 copies since Friday, making over �9m.

Metal Gear 2 was feverishly awaited by fans

The company hailed "exceptional" sales in the UK, which it said was an extremely important market.

"If Konami can take the record here for the fastest selling game ever, it will be a real achievement," said Kunio Neo, president of Konami's European operation.

"My thanks and congratulations to everyone involved."

The figures were described by a spokeswoman for retailers Electronics Boutique and Game as "absolutely phenomenal".

Solid Snake must negotiate many tasks

It was the chains' biggest-selling game ever, across all platforms, she added.

Metal Gear Solid 2 has been rated the best Play Station 2 product by many industry commentators since glimpses of it were first revealed, in 2000.

It has been awarded 10 points out of 10 in reviews in The Guardian, Mirror and Star newspapers, and in the men's magazine FHM.

The previous weekend sales record for a computer game was held by wrestling game WWF Smackdown, which sold 120,000 units upon its debut in 2000.