Despite Sony’s claim rumble is a “last gen” feature, not quite “4D” enough for their console, comes news of a settlement between Immersion Corporation and Sony over patent infringement. While this doesn’t mean Sony will release a rumble controller it does appear to mean they could should they choose to. However I’d say the most likely reason for the settlement is the continued production of PS2 controllers.
When it comes down to it I think Sony are now in a difficult position with regards to rumble. If Sony don’t produce a PS3 controller with rumble the community will be upset given for most the patent dispute is seen to be the real reason rumble isn’t currently supported. Conversely if Sony do produce a rumble version of the six axis controller they will look extremely bad to their hardcore fan base of early adopters who are now without the feature. Basically they’re screwed if they do and screwed if they don’t. I’d say Sony will most likely go for the cheapest option and not provide rumble at all, but I hope they take a different path and opt for a middle ground option allowing rumble in other devices, such as racing wheels, but not the standard controller itself.
I think the real question here is how much does rumble matter to you when the console price is as high as it is?