PlayStation stands as an iconic brand in the gaming world, having launched its first console 30 years ago. From the groundbreaking PlayStation 1 with classics like Final Fantasy VII to the latest PlayStation 5, featuring hits such as God of War: Ragnarok, Sony has consistently been a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, numerous consoles have been released, including various revisions, portable devices, and new generations. With the highly anticipated PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we present a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.
As we celebrate three decades of PlayStation, let's take a nostalgic journey through its storied history and explore each console that has shaped the gaming landscape.
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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
Since the launch of the first PlayStation in 1995 in North America, a total of **fourteen PlayStation consoles** have been released. This number includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles that Sony has branded under the PlayStation name.
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Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release
PlayStation - September 9, 1995
The Sony PlayStation marked the beginning of an era. Breaking away from Nintendo's cartridge-based systems, the PlayStation embraced CD-ROM technology. This shift allowed for larger game sizes and attracted major developers like Square Enix. The console became legendary for its lineup, including Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, Crash Bandicoot, and many other iconic PS1 titles.
PS One - September 19, 2000
The PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining the same features but in a smaller package. A key change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, enabled by the removal of certain ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, an impressive feat in retrospect.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
The PlayStation 2 revolutionized gaming with a significant leap in visual quality. It transitioned from blocky polygons to detailed character models and 3D action games. To date, it remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.
PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004
The PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-loading disc drive, addressing issues with dual-layer discs on the original PS2. Sony also enhanced the power efficiency by optimizing the internals. The 'Slim' moniker reflects its smaller size, setting a trend for future PlayStation revisions.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It offered versatile entertainment options, including games, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical media. The PSP could also connect with PS2 and PS3 for certain in-game functionalities. The best PSP games showcased the strength of this portable powerhouse.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
The PlayStation 3 introduced a host of new features, notably the PlayStation Network (PSN), which brought online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games. Additionally, the PS3 supported Blu-ray discs, positioning it as a top-tier Blu-ray player in 2024.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
The PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured a redesigned cooling system for better thermal performance. However, this model dropped backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in subsequent models.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
The PlayStation Vita was Sony's next portable console, released nearly seven years after the PSP. It boasted advanced features and the ability to play a wide range of titles from both PS3 and Vita. Later, it added Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of PS4 games to the Vita within the home.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final revision of the PS3, released just before the PS4's debut. It featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a sleeker design. This model is noted for its durability, largely due to its disc drive and compact body.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
The PlayStation 4 offered a significant performance boost over the PS3, with internals five times faster, leading to enhanced visual quality. It saw the release of acclaimed titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games remain some of the finest in modern gaming.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
The PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and efficient version of the PS4, with no performance differences but a smaller design and quieter cooling system, making it a popular choice.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
The PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, utilizing upscale technology to enhance visuals. With double the GPU power of the PS4, it offered improved frame rates for many games.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
The PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. Despite its larger size, it's lighter than the PS3. The DualSense controller introduced innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Our list of the best PS5 games highlights the standout titles of this generation.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
The PlayStation 5 Slim maintains the same hardware as the original PS5 but in a smaller form factor. Its modular design allows for the purchase of a disc drive separately, offering flexibility to consumers.
PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024
The PS5 Pro, confirmed by leaks and officially revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It adopts a sleeker design without a disc drive. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro was the major console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, the PS6 is speculated to launch sometime between 2026 and 2030, though no concrete dates have been set.
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