PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, a brand synonymous with groundbreaking titles and innovative technology. From the iconic launch of the original PlayStation in 1995, which introduced gamers to classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 with its blockbuster hit, God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, and entirely new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the debut of its first console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation hit North American markets in 1995. This figure includes Slim revisions of the mainline consoles and the two portable systems that Sony has launched under the PlayStation banner.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

It all started with the Sony PlayStation, a console that revolutionized the industry by shifting from Nintendo's cartridges to CD-ROMs. This change allowed for larger game sizes and more complex titles, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation is fondly remembered for classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, Crash Bandicoot, and many other unforgettable PS1 games.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same capabilities in a smaller package. Notably, this model omitted the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced an attachable screen for the PS One called the Combo, facilitated by the removal of some ports on the console's rear. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a remarkable feat in retrospect.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 burst onto the scene in October 2000, delivering a significant leap in visual quality over its predecessor. The era of blocky polygons gave way to detailed 3D characters and immersive action games. To this day, the PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Our selection of the best PS2 games illustrates why this console was so beloved.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-loading disc drive, addressing issues with dual-layer discs found in earlier models. Sony also enhanced the PS2 Slim's energy efficiency by optimizing the internal components. True to its name, this console was significantly smaller than the original PS2, marking Sony's first foray into Slim revisions, a trend that continued across subsequent PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. The PSP was a versatile device, capable of playing games, movies, and music via UMDs. It also offered connectivity with PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 for certain titles, enhancing the gaming experience. The best PSP games were standout entries in their respective series, showcasing the console's potential.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 represented a monumental leap from the PS2, introducing features like PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. The console was also backward compatible, allowing players to enjoy PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games. Additionally, the PS3 supported Blu-ray discs, positioning it as one of the best Blu-ray players in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim, launched three years after the original PS3, was much lighter and more compact, reducing weight, bulk, and power consumption by over 33%. Its cooling system was revamped for better performance and space efficiency. However, this model dropped backward compatibility for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games, a feature that has yet to return.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, released nearly seven years after the PSP, brought advanced portable gaming to new heights. It allowed for cross-platform play with hundreds of titles between PS3 and Vita. At launch, it was the most advanced handheld system available, later adding Remote Play for streaming PS4 games within the home.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3 line, released just before the PS4's debut. It featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and an even slimmer profile. This model proved to be the most durable PS3 due to its robust design and disc drive.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 boasted internals that were over five times faster than the PS3, leading to a significant leap in visual quality. Iconic titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima graced the PS4. A notable feature was the removable HDD, allowing for easy storage upgrades. The DualShock 4 controller offered an ergonomic design for enhanced comfort during extended play sessions. Our list of the best PS4 games highlights the console's stellar library.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a refined version of the PS4, boasting improved power efficiency and a smaller footprint. Although performance remained unchanged, the quieter cooling system and sleek design were major draws for many gamers.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support via upscaling and HDR, marking Sony's first foray into 4K gaming. With twice the GPU power of the standard PS4, this console delivered enhanced frame rates and visuals for many titles.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5, the most powerful PlayStation to date, supports ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. Despite its larger size, it's lighter than the PS3. The DualSense controller introduced features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Our best PS5 games list showcases some of the decade's most impressive titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim retains the power of the original PS5 in a more compact form. Its modular design allows for a disc drive to be added later, catering to those who prefer digital or physical media.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Leaks confirmed, the PS5 Pro was unveiled during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation. This mid-generation upgrade focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like the PS5 Slim, it omits a disc drive for a streamlined look. The PS5 Pro is priced at $699.99 USD, including the console, a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the anticipated console reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.