Rumours about when Sony will release the DualShock 3 wireless PlayStation 3 controller have been rumbling for ages. But now the electronics giant’s finally broken its silence and named the date.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has confirmed that the controller will hit European stores - yes, we said European, not Japanese - on 2 July.

For any gamers who’ve been living under a rock since the introduction of the PlayStation 3 in Europe in March 2007, the new controller supersedes the bundled Sixaxis unit by adding vibration. The controller's thought to feature two vibration styles: weak or, well, a slightly stronger mode.

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So far several titles have been confirmed as compatible with the new controller, including Resistance: Fall of Man and Gran Turismo 5.

David Reeves, SCEE's president, said Sony hopes its introduction of the rumbling console will “add to the intense gaming experience” for PS3 fans.

The DualShock 3 controller will set you back £40 (€50/$80).

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