Every PlayStation Console: A Full History of Release Dates

PlayStation stands as one of the most iconic brands in gaming history, evolving from the groundbreaking PlayStation 1 with classics like Final Fantasy VII to the powerhouse PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster hits such as God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, Sony has released a diverse range of consoles, including various generations, revisions, and portable devices. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we have compiled a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

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

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How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the debut of the first PlayStation in North America on September 9, 1995. This count includes 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

Revolutionizing the gaming industry, the original Sony PlayStation introduced CD-ROM technology, offering far more storage space than the cartridges used by its competitors. This shift attracted major developers like Square Enix, leading to unforgettable titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and the beloved Crash Bandicoot series.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One, a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, maintained its predecessor's functionality in a more compact form. The notable change was the removal of the reset button, and the introduction of the Combo screen attachment in 2002. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 during its launch year, showcasing its enduring popularity.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

With a significant leap in visual quality, PlayStation 2 introduced gamers to detailed character models and immersive 3D worlds. As the best-selling console of all time, it set the standard for gaming excellence, with iconic titles that continue to captivate players. The rise of the Nintendo Switch hasn't dimmed the legacy of the PS2, which remains a beloved giant in gaming history.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. A top-loading disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, while a more efficient internal setup reduced power consumption. The 'Slim' moniker reflected its significantly reduced size, setting a precedent for future PlayStation revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Marking Sony's foray into portable gaming, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered versatile entertainment with gaming, movies, and music on UMDs. Its connectivity with PlayStation 2 and 3 enhanced gameplay experiences, while its impressive library showcased some of the best entries in various franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 elevated gaming with the introduction of PlayStation Network, enabling online multiplayer and digital downloads. Backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles added to its appeal, while support for Blu-ray discs positioned it as a top-tier media player, a role consoles continue to excel in today.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Three years after the original, PlayStation 3 Slim reduced size, weight, and power consumption by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved performance, but the removal of backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games marked a significant change, one that has yet to return.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, Sony's next portable offering, brought advanced features to the handheld market, including cross-play with PS3 titles. The addition of Remote Play for PS4 later expanded its functionality, allowing gamers to enjoy their console games on the go.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim, the final PS3 revision, featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive and improved power efficiency in a sleeker design. Its durability made it a standout, thanks to the new disc drive and compact body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4's internals offered a fivefold increase in speed over the PS3, revolutionizing game visuals. With hits like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima, the PS4 solidified its place in modern gaming. The introduction of a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller further enhanced the gaming experience.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim improved upon the original PS4 with a smaller, more power-efficient design. Though performance remained unchanged, the reduced size and quieter operation were significant upgrades, appealing to gamers looking for a more compact solution.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro ushered in the era of 4K gaming with upscale technology and HDR support. With double the GPU power of the standard PS4, it delivered enhanced frame rates, making it a favorite among gamers with high-end displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 set new standards with ray tracing, 120FPS support, and native 4K output. Despite its large size, the console's innovative features and the new DualSense controller's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback redefined the gaming experience. The PS5's game library continues to grow with exceptional titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim refined the original PS5's design, reducing its size significantly. Its modular approach allowed users to customize their console with an optional disc drive, catering to both digital and physical media preferences.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro targets enhanced frame rates and improved ray tracing through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). With a sleek design and no disc drive, it will launch at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the anticipated 2024 reveal. As for the next generation, speculation suggests a PS6 release sometime between 2026 and 2030, but exact details remain elusive.