PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation is an iconic name in the gaming world, having shaped the industry with groundbreaking consoles and unforgettable games. From the legendary PlayStation 1 with classics like Final Fantasy VII to the powerhouse PlayStation 5, featuring titles like God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of gaming culture. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. Now, with the PS5 Pro available for pre-order, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the launch 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 debut of the original PlayStation in 1995 in North America. This number encompasses Slim revision models as well as the two portable consoles that Sony has brought to market 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 gaming by adopting CD-ROM technology over the traditional cartridge system. This move allowed for larger and more complex 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 cemented the PlayStation's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same great gaming experience in a smaller package. The notable change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by the removal of some ports on the console's back. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 burst onto the scene in October 2000, boasting significantly enhanced graphics and the transition to 3D gaming. It remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Discover why the PS2 was so beloved by exploring our list of the best PS2 games of all time.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-loading disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, and the internals were optimized for reduced power consumption. The PS2 Slim's smaller size introduced Sony's tradition of 'Slim' revisions across subsequent generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first foray into handheld gaming under the PlayStation brand. This versatile device not only played games but also movies and music, using UMDs for physical media. It could connect to PS2 and PS3, enhancing gameplay in certain titles. The best PSP games showcased the potential of this innovative console.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 marked a major leap forward, introducing the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games. The addition of Blu-ray support turned the PS3 into a formidable home entertainment system, setting a standard for consoles as Blu-ray players.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original PS3's weight, size, and power usage by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermal performance, but this model dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned since.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, Sony's return to the portable market after seven years, boasted advanced features and the ability to play titles across PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, allowing players to stream games within their homes.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim, the final PS3 revision, featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and a more compact design. This model proved to be the most durable PS3 due to its improved disc drive and slimmer body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 brought a dramatic increase in processing power, resulting in stunning visual upgrades. It introduced hits like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4's removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller enhanced the gaming experience. The best PS4 games continue to be celebrated for their quality.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim offered the same performance as the original PS4 in a more compact and energy-efficient design. Its quieter operation and smaller size were significant improvements.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, leveraging upscale technology for enhanced visuals. With a more powerful GPU, it delivered higher frame rates, enhancing gameplay on 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 stands as the most advanced PlayStation console, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller introduced innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Explore the best PS5 games to see what this powerful system can do.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim maintains the performance of the original PS5 in a smaller form factor. Its modular design allows for a disc drive to be added later, offering flexibility to consumers.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks and officially revealed, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and new machine learning capabilities through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). 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 was the anticipated console reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could arrive anytime between 2026 and 2030.