PlayStation has cemented itself as a legendary brand in gaming history. From the groundbreaking original PlayStation, which brought us classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the powerhouse PlayStation 5 with its latest blockbuster, God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released a variety of consoles, including revisions, portable devices, 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 first console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!
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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation debuted in North America in 1995. This number encompasses Slim revision models, as well as the two portable consoles that Sony has branded under PlayStation.
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PlayStation 5 Pro
5 See it at Amazon Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release
PlayStation - September 9, 1995
The Sony PlayStation revolutionized the industry with its introduction of CD-ROM technology, allowing for richer game content compared to cartridge-based systems. It became the platform for iconic titles like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, Crash Bandicoot, and many other memorable PS1 games.
PS One - September 19, 2000
The PS One was a more compact version of the original PlayStation, notable for its smaller size and the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo pack, which included an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by eliminating some of the console's ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
The PlayStation 2 significantly enhanced visual quality with detailed character models and immersive 3D environments. It remains the best-selling console of all time, although the Nintendo Switch is 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 improved performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-loading disc drive to address issues with dual-layer discs and boasted reduced power consumption thanks to more efficient internals. This was the first Slim revision from Sony, a design approach that has continued through subsequent PlayStation generations.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into handheld gaming under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical media. The PSP also offered connectivity with PS2 and PS3 for certain titles, and its library included some of the best games of the era.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
The PlayStation 3 introduced groundbreaking online capabilities through the PlayStation Network (PSN), including multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and added support for Blu-ray, enhancing its appeal as a media player.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
The PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original PS3's size, weight, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured an improved cooling system but notably dropped backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature that hasn't returned in later models.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
The PlayStation Vita entered the portable gaming market with advanced features and the ability to play a vast library of PS3 and Vita titles. Later, it introduced Remote Play for PS4, allowing players to stream games to the Vita within their homes.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a more compact design. It proved to be the most durable PS3 model thanks to its design enhancements.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
The PlayStation 4 brought a fivefold increase in performance over the PS3, enabling stunning visuals in games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. It introduced a removable HDD for expanded storage and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games remain some of the finest modern gaming experiences.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
The PlayStation 4 Slim offered a more compact and power-efficient design without sacrificing the performance of the original PS4. Its quieter cooling system and smaller footprint were significant advantages.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
The PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support with upscale technology and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the PS4 to enhance frame rates and visual quality.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
The PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, featuring ray tracing, 120FPS capability, and native 4K output. It comes with the innovative DualSense Controller, which includes adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games for a glimpse into this generation's top titles.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
The PlayStation 5 Slim maintains the power of the original PS5 but in a smaller form factor. Its modular design allows for the purchase of a digital-only version with the option to add a disc drive later.
PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024
The PS5 Pro, revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and the introduction of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for machine learning. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro is the major console update for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation places the PS6's release between 2026 and 2030.
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