PlayStation has become an iconic name in gaming, from the pioneering PlayStation 1 with legendary titles like Final Fantasy VII to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5, highlighted by blockbuster games such as God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, PlayStation has consistently evolved, releasing numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.
As we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the original console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!
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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
Since the debut of the first PlayStation in North America in 1995, a total of **fourteen PlayStation consoles** have been released. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles under the PlayStation brand.
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Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release
PlayStation - September 9, 1995
The Sony PlayStation kicked off the legacy with its innovative use of CD-ROM technology, a stark contrast to the cartridge-based systems of its time. This allowed for larger game sizes and attracted major developers like Square Enix, resulting in iconic games such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot.
PS One - September 19, 2000
The PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, featuring a smaller form factor but retaining all the same capabilities. The notable change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by the removal of certain ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
The PlayStation 2 revolutionized gaming with its enhanced visual fidelity, moving away from polygon-shaped characters to more detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Discover why it was so beloved with our picks for the best PS2 games.
PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004
The PlayStation 2 Slim brought significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-loading disc drive addressed issues with dual layer discs, and the console's internals were optimized for better power efficiency. This model introduced Sony's first 'Slim' revision, a trend that continued in subsequent PlayStation generations.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
Sony's first portable console under the PlayStation brand, the PSP, offered gaming, movie watching, and music listening capabilities. Using UMDs for physical media, it also connected to PS2 and PS3 for some in-game functionalities. The best PSP games showcased the console's potential within various gaming franchises.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
The PlayStation 3 marked a significant leap with the introduction of PlayStation Network (PSN), enabling online multiplayer, digital downloads, and more. It supported backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games and introduced Blu-ray disc support, enhancing its appeal as a multimedia device.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
The PS3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured a redesigned cooling system for better thermal performance, but notably, it dropped backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that hasn't returned since.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
The PlayStation Vita, Sony's return to portable gaming, boasted advanced features at the time of its release. It allowed cross-play between PS3 and Vita titles and later added Remote Play for PS4, enhancing the gaming experience by streaming games within the home.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
The PS3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a sleeker design. Its durability and design made it the most reliable PS3 model.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
The PlayStation 4 delivered a massive performance boost over the PS3, with internals five times faster, resulting in stunning visual quality. It introduced titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima, and included a removable HDD for additional storage. The DualShock 4 controller improved ergonomics and comfort.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
The PS4 Slim was a refined version of the original PS4, with better power efficiency and a smaller design. It maintained the same performance levels but offered a quieter and more compact gaming experience.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
The PS4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR capabilities, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. This allowed for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay on 4K displays.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
The PlayStation 5 stands as the most powerful PlayStation console yet, with ray tracing, 120FPS support, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Our list of the best PS5 games showcases the console's impressive lineup.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
The PS5 Slim retained the original's powerful hardware but in a smaller, more modular design. It introduced a detachable disc drive, allowing for greater flexibility in purchasing options.
PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024
The PS5 Pro, confirmed through 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 maintains the sleek design without a disc drive, priced at $699.99 USD, and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro was the significant console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 might launch anywhere between 2026 and 2030.
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