PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, renowned for its iconic consoles and groundbreaking titles. From the legendary PlayStation 1 with its defining game, Final Fantasy VII, to the latest PlayStation 5 featuring blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.
As we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the first PlayStation, let's take a nostalgic journey through the evolution of this iconic brand.
AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on a new PlayStation 5 or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best PlayStation deals available today.How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the debut of the original PlayStation in 1995 in North America. This count encompasses Slim revision models and the two portable consoles released under the PlayStation brand.
Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro
5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release
PlayStation - September 9, 1995
Marking the beginning of an era, the Sony PlayStation revolutionized gaming by adopting CD-ROM technology over the then-dominant cartridge format used by Nintendo. This allowed for larger, more immersive games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation is remembered fondly for classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, among many other beloved PS1 titles.
PS One - September 19, 2000
PS One is a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining all the original features in a smaller package. A notable change was the elimination of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, facilitated by the removal of certain ports. Surprisingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, showcasing its enduring appeal.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
Launching in October 2000, the PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in graphics quality, moving away from the polygonal figures of its predecessor to detailed 3D environments and character models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch continues to close the gap. Discover why it was so cherished with our selection of the best PS2 games ever released.
PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004
With the PlayStation 2 Slim, Sony made substantial enhancements in performance, efficiency, and aesthetics. The new top-loading disc drive addressed issues with dual-layer discs, and the internals were revamped for better power efficiency. The smaller footprint, dubbed 'Slim,' became a hallmark of subsequent PlayStation models.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
Marking Sony's venture into portable gaming, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered a versatile platform for gaming, movie watching, and music listening using UMDs. It also featured connectivity with PS2 and PS3 for certain games. The PSP hosted some of the finest portable gaming experiences of its time.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
A major leap forward, the PlayStation 3 introduced the PlayStation Network (PSN), enhancing online multiplayer and digital downloads. It supported backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games and was the first console to play Blu-ray discs, cementing its status as a top Blu-ray player in 2024.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
Three years post-launch, the PS3 Slim reduced size and power consumption by over 33% and introduced a new cooling system. However, it notably dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in later models.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
Launching seven years after the PSP, the PlayStation Vita brought advanced portable gaming with cross-play capabilities between PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of PS4 games within the home.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
As the final revision of the PS3, the Super Slim featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a more compact design. It's recognized as the most durable PS3 model due to its robust build and efficient disc drive.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
With processing power over five times that of the PS3, the PlayStation 4 delivered stunning visual upgrades. It launched with phenomenal titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4's removable HDD and ergonomic DualShock 4 controller were significant enhancements. Explore the best PS4 games that remain some of the finest modern gaming experiences.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
An optimized version of the PS4, the Slim model offered improved power efficiency and a quieter cooling system in a more compact design, without sacrificing performance.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
Introducing 4K support and HDR, the PS4 Pro doubled the GPU power of the original PS4, enabling enhanced visuals and higher frame rates for numerous titles.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
As the most powerful PlayStation to date, the PS5 supports ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, enhancing gameplay immersion. Check out our picks for the best PS5 games to see the console's potential.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
While maintaining the PS5's core hardware, the Slim version offers a significantly reduced size and a modular design, allowing for the purchase of a disc drive separately.
PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024
Confirming previous leaks, the PS5 Pro was revealed at Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focusing on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It also features a sleeker design without a disc drive. Priced at $699.99 USD, the package includes the console, a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro marked the significant console update for 2024. Looking ahead, speculation suggests the next generation, possibly the PS6, could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.
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