PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release History

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming industry, with a rich legacy that spans over three decades. From the groundbreaking original PlayStation, which introduced iconic games like Final Fantasy VII, to the latest powerhouse, the PlayStation 5, with its critically acclaimed titles such as God of War: Ragnarok, Sony's brand has consistently delivered exceptional gaming experiences. As the PS5 Pro becomes available for preorder, we take a moment to celebrate PlayStation's 30th anniversary by exploring every console the brand has ever released.

Embark on a nostalgic journey through PlayStation's history as we commemorate this significant milestone in gaming!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the original PlayStation debuted in 1995 in North America. This count includes Slim revision models, as well as the two portable consoles that Sony has introduced 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, a revolutionary console that shifted the industry away from cartridges to CD-ROMs. These discs offered more storage, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation is celebrated for classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, among many other memorable PS1 games.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining its core features while introducing a more compact form factor. A notable change was the omission of the reset button. In 2002, Sony launched an attachable screen for the PS One called the Combo, made possible by removing some ports on the console's back. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a remarkable feat in retrospect.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in gaming, offering enhanced visual fidelity and moving away from polygon-based graphics to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. For insights into its enduring appeal, explore our selection of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-load disc drive, addressing issues with dual-layer discs found in earlier models. Sony also enhanced the PS2 Slim's efficiency, reducing power consumption. Its smaller size led to the 'Slim' moniker, setting a precedent for subsequent PlayStation models.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's inaugural portable console under the PlayStation banner. It offered a versatile entertainment platform for gaming, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical media. The PSP could connect with PS2 and PS3, enhancing gameplay in certain titles. The best PSP games showcased the system's potential across various genres.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 represented a major evolution with advanced online capabilities via PlayStation Network (PSN), including multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games. The introduction of Blu-ray support further positioned PS3 as a top-tier media player, a trend that continues in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim, released three years after its predecessor, reduced weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured a revamped cooling system for better performance. However, it notably lacked backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature that has not been reinstated in later models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita was Sony's next venture into portable gaming, offering a platform for hundreds of titles shared with the PS3. At launch, it was the most advanced portable console, boasting features unmatched by competitors. Later, it added Remote Play for PS4, allowing gamers to stream PS4 games to the Vita.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3, featuring a top-load Blu-ray drive, improved efficiency, and a slimmer profile. It emerged as the most durable PS3 model, thanks to its robust design and disc drive.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 introduced internals five times faster than the PS3, enabling a significant visual upgrade. It hosted phenomenal titles such as Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also featured a user-replaceable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. Our curated list of the best PS4 games highlights its rich library.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim refined the original PS4's design, enhancing power efficiency and reducing its size. Though it maintained the same performance, its smaller footprint and quieter operation were significant advantages.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro advanced the PS4 with 4K support and HDR capabilities, utilizing upscale technology. With twice the GPU power, it boosted frame rates and enhanced visual quality for many games.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is Sony's most potent console yet, offering ray tracing, 120FPS, and steady native 4K output. Despite its larger size, it is lighter than the PS3. The innovative DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games that showcase this console's capabilities.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim retained the power of the original PS5 but in a smaller package. Its modular design allows for the separate purchase of a disc drive, offering flexibility to gamers.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

As anticipated, the PS5 Pro was unveiled during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focusing on higher frame rates and enhanced ray tracing through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like the PS5 Slim, it omits the disc drive for a streamlined design. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro marks the latest in PlayStation's evolution, with no confirmed details yet on the next generation of consoles. Speculation suggests the PS6 might launch between 2026 and 2030.