Bit-tech.net seems to be the first place to break the official word on what the rest of the gaming news was already certain would happen: Sony’s bringing sexy rumble back to the PS3.

bit-tech.net | Sony confirms new Dual Shock controller:
Sony confirms new Dual Shock controller
Author: Joe Martin
Published: 18th Sep 2007
The new Sony PlayStation 3 controller – just like the old one, but it can’t sit still.

The new Sony PlayStation 3 controller – just like the old one, but it can’t sit still.
So, the PlayStation 3 controller has finally come full circle it seems. After going through all manner of design innovations, including the ‘boomerang’ and the ‘PS3 Ball’, Sony finally settled on just using an old PS2 controller but cut the wires off of it.

However, after a few complications involving a patent war to see just who owned the rights to the Dual Shock technology, the PS3 controller had to forfeit the rumble technology as well.

Now, while we have our own dark theories about what went on in the background of that patent struggle, the end result was that Sony was left with a controller that now seemed more than a little out of date – with neither Dual Shock or an improved design.

The addition of the SixAxis motion sensitive technology could have done something to address this of course but unfortunately many gamers saw this as a quick attempt on Sonys part to copy the success of Nintendo. We could argue that point until the cows come home, but it would be getting a little off topic.

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The Dual Shock technology has proven a little problematic for Sony, who has been rumoured to be working on a controller update for a while now. The main problem has apparently been trying to cram both the Dual Shock and SixAxis gadgetry into the old controller shell while still keeping the controller wireless.

What remains the burning question is: how much? If it’s in the same neighborhood of the Sixaxis (anyone else notice that there are only THREE axes that it rotates on?), it’s gonna be in the $40-$50USD range, which chaps my ass more than a little.