PlayStation stands as an iconic name in the world of video games, captivating audiences since the launch of its first console in 1995. From the groundbreaking Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation to the latest blockbuster, God of War: Ragnarok, on the PlayStation 5, Sony's gaming brand has remained a cornerstone of the industry. Over the past three decades, PlayStation has evolved through numerous console releases, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we present a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.
As Sony celebrates 30 years of PlayStation, join us on a nostalgic journey through its rich history!
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 number encompasses slim revision models, as well as 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
Launching a revolution in gaming, the Sony PlayStation shifted away from Nintendo's cartridge-based systems to CD-ROMs. This allowed for larger game sizes and attracted major developers like Square Enix. Legendary titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot cemented the PlayStation's legacy.
PS One - September 19, 2000
A sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, the PS One offered the same gaming experience in a more compact form. The most notable 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.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in graphical quality, moving beyond polygon-based characters to detailed 3D models. 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
With the PlayStation 2 Slim, Sony improved performance, efficiency, and design. The introduction of a top-loading disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, and internal modifications reduced power consumption. The Slim model's compact size set a precedent for future PlayStation revisions.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
Sony's first venture into portable gaming with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered gaming, movie watching, and music listening capabilities. Using UMDs for physical storage, the PSP could connect to PS2 and PS3 for certain in-game functionalities. The best PSP games showcased the console's potential.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
A major upgrade from the PS2, the PlayStation 3 introduced the PlayStation Network (PSN), enabling online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray discs, enhancing its appeal as a multimedia device.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
Three years after the original, the PlayStation 3 Slim reduced weight and power consumption by over 33%, thanks to a redesigned cooling system. However, it dropped backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature never reinstated in subsequent models.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
After a seven-year hiatus, the PlayStation Vita brought advanced portable gaming to the market. Its ability to play games across both PS3 and Vita, along with later support for PS4 Remote Play, made it a versatile gaming device.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
Released just before the PS4's debut, the PlayStation 3 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.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
With processing power over five times that of the PS3, the PlayStation 4 delivered stunning visuals in games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The console's removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller enhanced the gaming experience.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
A more compact and energy-efficient version of the PS4, the Slim model maintained the same performance while offering a quieter cooling system and a smaller footprint.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
Introducing 4K support and HDR, the PlayStation 4 Pro doubled the GPU power of the original PS4, providing enhanced frame rates and visual fidelity for a superior gaming experience.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
As the most powerful PlayStation to date, the PS5 supports ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The accompanying DualSense Controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, revolutionizing gameplay. Check out our list of the best PS5 games to see what this powerhouse can do.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
While maintaining the same internals, the PlayStation 5 Slim reduced the size of the original PS5 and introduced a modular design, allowing users to add a disc drive later if needed.
PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024
Confirmed by leaks and officially revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates and enhanced ray tracing through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It adopts a sleeker design without a disc drive and is priced at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro marks the significant console update for 2024. While the next generation of PlayStation consoles, such as the PS6, remains speculative, release estimates suggest a launch window between 2026 and 2030.
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