Home News PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

Author : Liam Apr 15,2025

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy that spans over three decades. From the iconic PlayStation 1, which introduced gamers to classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the latest powerhouse, the PlayStation 5 with its blockbuster titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Sony's consoles have continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming. Over the years, numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations, have been released. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

As we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the first PlayStation console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!

Which PlayStation had the best games?
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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the original PlayStation hit North America in 1995. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model

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Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

PlayStation

The Sony PlayStation revolutionized gaming with its CD-ROM format, offering more storage than the cartridge-based systems of the time. This led to iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, cementing the PS1's legacy in gaming history.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One

The PS One was a more compact version of the original PlayStation, omitting the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced an attachable screen called the Combo, made possible by removing some ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in visual fidelity with its enhanced 3D capabilities. It remains the best-selling console of all time, despite the Nintendo Switch's ongoing challenge. Discover why it was so beloved with our picks for the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim

The PS2 Slim improved performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-load disc drive, addressing issues with dual-layer discs, and was more power-efficient due to internal redesigns. This was Sony's first Slim revision, a trend that continued in subsequent generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable

The PSP was Sony's first portable console under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music via UMDs and could connect with PS2 and PS3 for certain functionalities. The best PSP games remain notable entries in their respective franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3

The PS3 introduced PlayStation Network, enhancing online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray, making it a formidable media player. The PS3's capabilities made it one of the best Blu-ray players available in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim

The PS3 Slim reduced weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%, with a new cooling system. However, it lost backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita

The Vita was Sony's next portable console, offering advanced features and compatibility with PS3 and later PS4 games through Remote Play. It was the most advanced portable system at its launch.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim

The final PS3 revision, the Super Slim, featured a top-load Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a sleeker design. It's considered the most durable PS3 model.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4

The PS4 offered a significant performance boost over the PS3, with titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. It introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games remain some of the finest in modern gaming.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim

The PS4 Slim was a more compact and power-efficient version of the original PS4, with no performance differences but a quieter cooling system and smaller design.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro

The PS4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, with twice the GPU power of the PS4, enabling higher frame rates and enhanced visuals.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5

The PS5 is Sony's most powerful console to date, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Explore the best PS5 games for this decade's top titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim

The PS5 Slim offers a smaller form factor without significant hardware changes. Its modular design allows for a disc drive to be added later.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

PlayStation 5 Pro

The PS5 Pro, unveiled during Sony's technical presentation, focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning via PSSR. It's priced at $699.99 USD and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the major reveal for 2024. While the next generation of PlayStation consoles remains speculative, the PS6 is rumored to launch between 2026 and 2030.

When do you think the PS6 will launch?
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