Home News PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Author : Emma Mar 27,2025

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy that spans over three decades. From the groundbreaking PlayStation 1, which introduced us to classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 and its blockbuster title, God of War: Ragnarok, Sony's consoles have consistently set the bar high in the gaming industry. With the recent addition of the PS5 Pro available for pre-order, we've taken the opportunity to catalog every PlayStation console ever released, celebrating 30 years of innovation and gaming excellence.

Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation, exploring the evolution of a brand that continues to captivate gamers worldwide.

Which PlayStation had the best games? -------------------------------------

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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the launch of the original PlayStation in 1995 in North America. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles that Sony has released under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

It all began with the Sony PlayStation, which revolutionized the industry with its CD-ROM technology. This allowed for larger, more immersive games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. Iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot became synonymous with the PS1's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same gameplay in a more compact form. Notable for removing the reset button, it also introduced the Combo screen attachment in 2002, made possible by streamlining the console's ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in graphical capabilities, ushering in an era of detailed 3D environments and characters. It remains the best-selling console of all time, although the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. For a glimpse into its popularity, explore our list of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim enhanced performance, efficiency, and aesthetics. It introduced a top-loading disc drive, addressing issues with dual layer discs, and reduced power consumption through internal redesigns. This model set the precedent for Sony's future Slim revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. With UMDs for physical storage, the PSP was versatile, capable of playing games, movies, and music, and even integrating with PS2 and PS3 for certain titles. The best PSP games showcased the system's potential.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 advanced gaming with the PlayStation Network, introducing online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games, and added Blu-ray support, positioning consoles as top Blu-ray players in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced weight and power consumption by over 33%, featuring a new cooling system for better performance. However, it dropped backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature never reinstated.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita brought a new wave of portable gaming, boasting advanced features and compatibility with hundreds of PS3 and Vita titles. Later, it introduced Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of PS4 games within the home.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the last PS3 revision, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved efficiency, and a sleeker design. Its durability was enhanced by these changes, making it the most robust PS3 model.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a significant performance boost over the PS3, with stunning visuals in games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. It introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games continue to be celebrated.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a more power-efficient and compact version of the PS4, with the same performance but a quieter cooling system, making it a popular choice among gamers.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K and HDR support, enhancing visual quality and frame rates with its increased GPU power, catering to gamers with 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is Sony's most powerful console yet, with features like ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense Controller added innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games to see what this console is capable of.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim refined the PS5's design, making it more compact while maintaining the same powerful hardware. Its modular design allows for the purchase of a disc drive separately.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

PlayStation 5 Pro was unveiled during Sony's technical presentation, focusing on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PSSR. It features a sleek design without a disc drive, priced at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the anticipated reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, the PS6, speculation suggests a release window between 2026 and 2030.

When do you think the PS6 will launch? --------------------------------------
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