PlayStation is a legendary name in gaming, synonymous with iconic titles from the groundbreaking Final Fantasy VII on the original console to the latest blockbuster, God of War: Ragnarok, on the PlayStation 5. Over the past three decades, Sony has released a diverse array of consoles, including revisions, portable options, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we're taking a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console ever released.
As Sony marks 30 years since the debut of its first console, join us on 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 launched in 1995 in North America. This number includes Slim revision models and 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 the PlayStation era, Sony's first console revolutionized the industry by adopting CD-ROM technology over the traditional cartridges. This shift enabled larger, more complex games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation became iconic for titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and the beloved Crash Bandicoot series.
PS One - September 19, 2000
PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, featuring a smaller form factor but maintaining the same powerful gaming capabilities. A significant change was the omission of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, enabled by removing some ports from the back of the console. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in visual quality with its enhanced graphics and detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is gaining ground. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand why it was so cherished.
PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004
PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial enhancements in performance, efficiency, and design. It introduced a top-loading disc drive, resolving issues with dual-layer discs, and its internals were redesigned for better power efficiency. This model pioneered the 'Slim' concept for PlayStation, which has continued through subsequent generations.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first foray into handheld gaming under the PlayStation banner. This versatile device could play games, movies, and music, using UMDs for storage. It also offered connectivity with PS2 and PS3, enhancing gameplay in select titles. The PSP's game library included some of the best entries in various franchises.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
PlayStation 3 significantly advanced the PlayStation lineup with new online features through PlayStation Network (PSN), including multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and introduced Blu-ray support, positioning consoles as top-tier Blu-ray players even today.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the console's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured a revamped cooling system and a more compact design, but it lacked the backwards compatibility of its predecessor, a feature Sony has not reintroduced in subsequent models.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
PlayStation Vita brought Sony back into the handheld market after nearly seven years. It allowed for cross-play with PS3 and later added Remote Play for PS4, enabling players to enjoy PS4 games on the go. At its launch, the Vita was the most advanced portable gaming system available.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the last revision of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and an even slimmer design. It's notable for its durability, thanks to its design and disc drive.
PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013
PlayStation 4 offered a massive leap in performance with internals over five times faster than the PS3. It introduced stunning titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also featured a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. Our list of the best PS4 games showcases some of the finest modern gaming experiences.
PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016
PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and energy-efficient version of the PS4, maintaining the same performance but with a smaller design and quieter cooling system.
PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016
PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, leveraging upscale technology to enhance visuals. With twice the GPU power of the standard PS4, it offered improved frame rates for many games.
PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020
PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting 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 powerhouse can do.
PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023
PlayStation 5 Slim offers a more compact design without altering the internal hardware significantly. Its modular design allows for the purchase of a disc drive separately, enhancing flexibility for users.
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, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It features a sleeker design without a disc drive, launching at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
The PS5 Pro was the major console reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.
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