I just bought a Dualshock 3 on eBay, from Japan. Sources say its force feedback is not as strong as the Dualshock 2, while others say it's more refined. I haven't recieved mine yet, since it's still coming in the mail. Did you buy one? If so, have you recieved yours yet? If so, how do you like it?

I heard it works great, I hope it comes bundled with the PS3 soon.

they were having trouble giving it wireless, sixaxis and rumble and still having the battery last long enough. Its possible they toned the rumble down to increase battery life.

I have my Dual Shock 3 since november/december(don't know the exact date), and i'm very glad i imported it from Japan to the Netherlands(where i live). I have the feeling the battery life is about the same as the SIXAXIS. Maybe a bit shorter, but not much.

About the strength of rumble, it depends on which game. Developers don't care if the battery life will be shorter when they program stronger rumble for their game. All i know is that rumble isn't very strong with titles like Ratchet & Clank but it is very strong with Unreal Tournamant 3, specially when you blow up the enemy base. Just as strong as the Dual Shock 2, but in a way it feels different.

I don't think it's a different technology, but it feels a bit different. Not better of worse, i guess. All i can say is that i'm happy i bought one cause now i know how much i missed it. I'm already using it with the following games that i have:

Super Stardust HD
Resistance
Motorstorm
Ratchet & Clank Future
Unreal Tournament 3(imported)
Uncharted
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue(imported)
Warhawk

I actually pre-ordered two of them and they were delivered to me here in Arizona only 2 days after the official launch in Japan!  I don't see any difference in the "strength" of the vibration between these and DS2.  The main difference I've noticed is that the vibration (or maybe the USE of the function) seems better, maybe more refined.  Almost like vibration in stereo or something.  Sometimes it's very strong, sometimes light.  Over all, I like the controllers.  I like their weight in my hands a little better than the Sixaxis.  I didn't mind the lighter Sixaxis but these just feel a bit more substantial.  I think they're worth getting.

When are they going to be officially released in the U.S.?

Its good.

Battery life is fine, ruble strength is fine cant remember if its less then D2

The best thing is the added weight, it just feels better when you hold it.

It seems weird but I agree with mars posting above me, the sixaxis just seems so "flimsy" and light, the 360 controller is sturdier. I think this will be way better than sixaxis.

nope not yet and probably wont

the dualshock 3 feels much better than the sixaxis, though it is worth noting there is a considerable drop in battery life.