Importers warn of DualShock 3 scarcity

Western consumers looking to purchase the PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 controller from Japan next week are being warned that stock may be extremely limited.

Demand for the peripheral — which will feature the much-missed rumble functions — is so high that import retailers are warning pre-orders have already been filled and prices may skyrocket as a result.

Play Asia warns "this is a product with limited availability and our allocations have been pre-sold," urging consumers to keep an eye on the site when the DualShock 3 hits Japan on November 11.

At a more extreme end of the market, National Console Support has detailed that its suppliers have suggested that in order to buy the controller, it would have to sell the entire PlayStation 3 console package as well.

"Please wait for further updates from our Japanese distributors in the next few days but so far, it's not looking good for readily available stock on November 11," states the retailer.

"If prices ratchet up too high, we'd advise patience since prices should eventually drop to normalcy within 2-3 weeks after the Japanese debut," it said.

Sony frowns on import retailers, but many consumers are keen to get their hands on the recently announced DualShock 3, with titles such as Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and Metal Gear Solid 4 making use of the re-introduced rumble technology.

Sony is offering two versions of the DualShock 3 in black and Ceramic White, priced at JPY 5500 (USD 47 / GBP 22)

A release date and price for the DualShock 3 in North America and Europe has not been set, with Sony only indicating a Spring release.

Some import retailers are currently selling the controller for around USD 79.99 / GBP 39.99.