METAL GEAR SOLID 4 COMING JUNE 12TH

Yeah, it does seem like it's "Grub Off Kotaku Day" here at the House of Latenite, but I always go with the first place I saw a story when posting them, and Kotaku just seemed to beat everyone to the punch today.

PlayStation 3 fans have finally gotten the answer they've been waiting to hear for so long… Konami has dated Metal Gear Solid 4. Rather than tease you any further (and since the date is in the title, it's not like that teasing would be effective anyway), the game is scheduled to hit retail on June 12th, 2008.

However, much like a late night infomercial, there's more – Sony has announced that they will be releasing a PlayStation 3 bundle that includes the 80GB PS3, a DualShock 3 controller and Metal Gear Solid 4 for $499.99. That's a combination that will probably win over quite a few who have been waiting on the sidelines for MGS4 before investing in a PS3.

• Metal Gear Solid 4 – Official website
• PlayStation 3: Metal Gear Solid 4 Finally Has a Release Date – Kotaku
• Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Bundle Announced – Kotaku

DUAL SHOCK 3 CONTROLLER COMING APRIL 15TH

Kotaku is reporting that Sony has announced they will be releasing the DualShock 3 controller for the PlayStation 3 on April 15th of this year. As the name implies, the controller (priced at MSRP $54.99) will finally bring vibration feedback to Sony's console, eliminating one of the bigger complaints about the system.

At the $54.99 price point, I certainly don't see myself replacing both of my Sixaxis controllers, but I'll certainly grab at least one to serve as my "main" PS3 controller shortly after they become available. How about you?

• DualShock 3 Dated For US – Kotaku 

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.0) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including the ability to customize the XMB's icons and backgrounds, the ability for the system to be started remotely (via the PSP) and… vibration feedback support for the Dual Shock 3 controller! (Coming in early 2008 according to the patch notes)

Check out the full list of new features below.

• Custom themes
• You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
• Playlists
• You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
• Information board
• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
• PLAYSTATION®Network category
• [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
• Remote start
• [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details
• Other new or revised features in version 2.00:
• Overall
• New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.
• Settings
• [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
• You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
• The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
• You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.
• Game
• [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
  *Available for purchase in early 2008.
• Network
• You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
• [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as an option under the Internet browser.
• Friends
• The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
• You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
  * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here.

Unfortunately, it looks like the ability to bring up the XMB while playing a game is still just a dream.

• System Software Update (2.00) – PlayStation.com

SONY CONFIRMS DUAL SHOCK 3 CONTROLLER

Confirming the rumors that have been spreading across the ‘net for the last few days, at their press briefing for the Tokyo Game Show, Sony Computer Entertainment President Kaz Hirai confirmed that that vibration feedback would be coming to the PlayStation 3 in the form of the Dual Shock 3 controller.

The new controller looks identical to the current Sixaxis controller and will be hitting retail in Japan this November with the United States and Europe following in the Spring of 2008. No price has been quoted at this time.

This is great news for PlayStation 3 owners who have been sorely missing the feature – though I’m sure some who purchased multiple controllers may feel a little burned by the move. Even better news was that in addition to future PS3 games supporting vibration feedback, Hirai noted that some games in the existing PlayStation 3 catalog could have the feature added via downloadable updates.

• Sony Confirms, Details SIXAXIS Rumble– Kotaku
• TGS ’07: Sony announces Dual Shock 3, Home delay – Gamespot
• Sony Confirms DualShock Controller For PlayStation 3 – Gamasutra
• TGS 2007: Sony confirms PS3 rumble, sidesteps any admission of failure – Destructoid