PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation has carved out a legendary status in the gaming world over the last three decades, starting from the groundbreaking PlayStation 1 with iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII to the latest PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster games like God of War: Ragnarok. As Sony celebrates 30 years since the launch of its first console, it's an opportune time to reflect on the evolution of this iconic brand. With the recent announcement of the PS5 Pro available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console that has hit the market.

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the original PlayStation debuted in North America in 1995. This number encompasses 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, the original console revolutionized gaming with its use of CD-ROMs, offering vastly more storage than the cartridges of its competitors. This innovation attracted major developers like Square Enix, leading to unforgettable games such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One represented a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, featuring a smaller footprint and the notable omission of the reset button. Sony further enhanced its versatility in 2002 by introducing the Combo, an attachable screen, made possible by removing some ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a testament to its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 elevated gaming with significantly enhanced graphics, introducing players to detailed character models and immersive 3D environments. As the best-selling console of all time, its popularity endures, with the Nintendo Switch now vying for the top spot. Explore our curated list of the best PS2 games to understand its lasting legacy.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

With the PlayStation 2 Slim, Sony delivered a refined console that boasted improved performance, efficiency, and a sleek design. The introduction of a top-loading disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, while internal redesigns reduced power consumption. This model set the standard for future 'Slim' revisions across subsequent PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Marking Sony's entry into the handheld market, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered gaming, movie watching, and music playback. Utilizing UMDs for storage, the PSP also connected with PS2 and PS3, enhancing gameplay across devices. Dive into our selection of the best PSP games to relive the era's standout titles.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 brought significant advancements, notably with the PlayStation Network, which introduced online multiplayer and digital downloads. The console's backward compatibility allowed for playing PS1 and PS2 games, while Blu-ray support transformed consoles into premier home entertainment devices.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Three years after the PS3's debut, the Slim model reduced size, weight, and power use by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermals, but this model notably discontinued backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that hasn't returned.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita revitalized portable gaming with advanced features and the ability to play titles across PS3 and Vita. Its launch marked it as the most technologically sophisticated handheld at the time, later enhanced by Remote Play functionality for PS4 games.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

As the final iteration of the PS3, the Super Slim model introduced a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and a sleeker design. Its durability, largely due to the new disc drive and body, made it a lasting favorite among gamers.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 delivered a fivefold increase in processing power over the PS3, ushering in a new era of visual excellence with games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The addition of a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller enhanced user experience significantly.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim refined the original PS4's design, offering a more compact and energy-efficient version without compromising performance. Its quieter cooling system and smaller footprint were major draws for consumers.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

With the PS4 Pro, Sony ventured into 4K gaming, utilizing upscale technology to enhance visuals. The console's increased GPU power also allowed for higher frame rates, making it a favorite among players with 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 stands as the most powerful console in Sony's lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The accompanying DualSense controller introduced innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games to experience the pinnacle of modern gaming.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim streamlined the original PS5's design without altering its core performance. Its modular approach allows for a disc drive to be purchased separately, offering flexibility to gamers.

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 the integration of machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). 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 major console update for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 might arrive between 2026 and 2030, though no official dates have been announced.