Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has finally announced a date for the eagerly awaited DualShock 3 wireless controller for the PlayStation 3.

When the PS3 launched last year, the wireless Sixaxis control was released in all of its motion-sensing glory. However, the familiar vibrate and rumble of the DualShock that we all knew and loved was missing due to legal action at the time against both Microsoft and Sony for patent infringement. Microsoft chose to settle out of court, while Sony battled on.

Now a few months and $100 million dollars later, Sony has also settled its differences with the company, and the path has been made clear to release the controller that should have been included with the PS3 from the start.

Just like the other DualShock controllers that have sold 28 million since 1998, DualShock 3 features the vibration function while also encorporating the motion-sensitive controls and wireless technology that made Sixaxis so popular.

David Reeves, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: "We are delighted to confirm that DualShock 3 will be released in SCEE territories in early July. We hope this will add to the intense gaming experience for our fans, as we continue to evolve PS3, its software and its peripherals".

Almost all future PS3 releases will support DualShock 3, and the controller is already compatible with many existing PS3 titles - over 60 it's estimated.

The controller will be launched in Europe on 2 July, and is looking to set you back around £30-35 from the websites we've seen accepting pre-orders.