Home News PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

by Bella May 18,2025

PlayStation stands as an iconic brand in the gaming world, having evolved from the groundbreaking original console with legendary titles like Final Fantasy VII to the powerhouse PlayStation 5, known for blockbusters such as God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

As Sony marks 30 years since the launch of its first console, let's embark on a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!

Which PlayStation had the best games? -------------------------------------

AnswerSee ResultsLooking to save on a new PlayStation 5 or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best PlayStation deals available today.

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation debuted in 1995 in North America. This count encompasses Slim revision models and the two portable consoles branded under PlayStation.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Launching the PlayStation era, this console revolutionized gaming by adopting CD-ROMs over cartridges, offering greater storage capacity. This shift attracted major developers like Square Enix, leading to iconic games such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, among others.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One offered a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, fitting the same powerful internals into a smaller, more portable form factor. The removal of the reset button was a notable change, and the introduction of the Combo, an attachable screen, added a new dimension to gaming. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap forward with enhanced visual fidelity, moving beyond polygonal figures to detailed 3D worlds. It remains the best-selling console of all time, celebrated for its rich library of games, which you can explore in our list of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

With the PS2 Slim, Sony made strides in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-load disc drive addressed issues with dual-layer discs, while improved internals reduced power consumption. This model set a precedent for future Slim revisions across PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Marking Sony's entry into handheld gaming, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered versatile entertainment options, including gaming, movies, and music, all stored on UMDs. Its connectivity with PS2 and PS3 enriched the gaming experience, highlighted by a strong lineup of PSP games.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 introduced groundbreaking features such as the PlayStation Network, enhancing online multiplayer and digital downloads. It supported Blu-ray playback, adding to its appeal as a home entertainment hub, and was initially backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Three years after the original PS3, the Slim version reduced size, weight, and power consumption by over 33%. While it featured a new cooling system, it notably dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita emerged as a powerful handheld, bridging gaming between PS3 and Vita with a rich library of titles. Its advanced features and later addition of Remote Play for PS4 games made it a standout in portable gaming.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

As the final PS3 revision, the Super Slim model offered a top-load Blu-ray drive, enhanced efficiency, and a sleeker design, becoming the most durable PS3 variant.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 delivered a fivefold increase in performance over the PS3, ushering in a new era of visual excellence with titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. Its swappable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller further enhanced the gaming experience.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim maintained the performance of its predecessor while offering a more compact and energy-efficient design, appealing to gamers looking for a less intrusive console.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR capabilities, significantly boosting visual quality and performance. With a more powerful GPU, it enabled enhanced frame rates for a smoother gaming experience.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 set new standards with features like ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The innovative DualSense controller, with its adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, added a new layer of immersion. Discover the best PS5 games that showcase its capabilities.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim refined the original PS5's design without altering its powerful internals. Its modular approach allowed for a disc drive to be purchased separately, offering flexibility and a smaller footprint.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Announced during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and 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 pre-installed, but opts for a disc-less design.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the major console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 might launch sometime between 2026 and 2030.

When do you think the PS6 will launch? --------------------------------------
AnswerSee Results
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