Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) sent word today that the new DualShock 3 controller for the PS3, which brings back rumble functionality while still including the motion-sensing technology of the Sixaxis, will be heading to retailers in North America this week.

The controller carries an MSRP of $54.99. For gamers who've not yet purchased Sony's console, it'll also come packed in with a special Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle that is slated to launch on June 12.

Sony said that the DualShock 3 will bring rumble to nearly 30 PS3 games initially, as well as a number of PSone classics; the company said that it'll provide a list on the PlayStation site to include all titles as compatibility expands. Some of the PS3 games will require an online patch to enable the vibration feature. Although not mentioned on the list, Sony did state that the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will support the DualShock 3.

After they announced the release of the new DualShock 3 controller this week, Sony Computer Entertainment America confirmed to MTV Multiplayer that the PS3's current Sixaxis controller is indeed being phased out.
"Sixaxis will no longer be offered after it's completely sold through at retail (likely by the summer timeframe)," an SCEA representative said.
GameDaily BIZ would assume this would also mean that SCEA will start including the DualShock 3 in their 40GB and 80GB PS3 SKUs at retail. The new rumble-enabled controller will come packed in with the special Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle in June.

We've pinged SCEA to confirm. We also inquired whether consumers who are about to purchase a new PS3 right now might be offered a rebate or trade-up offer to replace the soon-to-be-defunct Sixaxis.


Below is the list of compatible games so far, as provided by SCEA (titles marked with * require a patch).




SCEA - Formula One Championship Edition* (PS3)
SCEA - MotorStorm* (PS3)
SCEA - PAIN (PSN)
SCEA - High Velocity Bowling (PSN)
SCEA - MLB 08: The Show (PS3)
SCEA - Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
SCEA - Resistance: Fall of Man* (PS3)
SCEA - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3)
SCEA - Go! Sports Ski* (PSN)
SCEA - Folklore* (PS3)
SCEA - Heavenly Sword* (PS3)
SCEA - Warhawk* (PSN / PS3)
SCEA - Super Stardust HD* (PSN)
SCEA - Snakeball (PSN)
SCEA - Toy Home (PSN)
SCEA - PSOne Emulation (PSN)
SCEA - Piyotama (PSN)
SCEA - PixelJunk Monsters (PSN)
SCEA - Blast Factor* (PSN)
Sega - Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3)
Ubisoft - Lost: Via Domus (PS3)
Ubisoft - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2* (PS3)
EA - Burnout Paradise (PS3)
KOEI - Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3)
Capcom - Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)
Atari - Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3)
Disney Interactive - Turok (PS3)