PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release History

PlayStation has solidified its status as a legendary name in the gaming world. From the iconic PlayStation 1, which debuted with groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VII, to the powerhouse PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, the brand has consistently been a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. As we approach the launch of the PS5 Pro, now available for preorder, let's take a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console ever released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the launch of its first console, join us on 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 North America on September 9, 1995. This count encompasses Slim revision models and the two portable consoles that Sony has branded under the PlayStation name.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Launched in 1995, the original Sony PlayStation revolutionized gaming with its CD-ROM technology, allowing for richer, more complex games than the cartridge-based systems of the time. This console is celebrated for its legendary titles, including Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, among many others.

PS One - September 19, 2000

Introduced in 2000, the PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same gaming experience in a more compact form. The notable change was the removal of the reset button. Later, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing certain ports on the console's back. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

Launching in October 2000, the PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in visual quality and gameplay, moving away from polygonal graphics to detailed 3D character models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is rapidly closing the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

Released in November 2004, the PlayStation 2 Slim improved on the original in performance, efficiency, and design. Key enhancements included a top-loading disc drive for better handling of dual-layer discs and more efficient internals, reducing power consumption. This model set the trend for Sony's future Slim revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

In March 2005, Sony entered the handheld market with the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which could play games, movies, and music using UMDs. The PSP also connected with the PS2 and PS3 for certain titles, enhancing gameplay. The best PSP games showcased the console's potential in delivering high-quality gaming on the go.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

Launched in November 2006, the PlayStation 3 brought significant advancements, including the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and introduced Blu-ray support, making it one of the best Blu-ray players available in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Arriving in September 2009, the PlayStation 3 Slim was significantly lighter and more efficient than its predecessor. It featured a redesigned cooling system but notably lacked backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature not restored in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

Released in February 2012, the PlayStation Vita was Sony's next foray into portable gaming. It offered hundreds of titles playable across PS3 and Vita, and later introduced Remote Play for PS4 games, making it a versatile gaming device.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

Launched just before the PS4, the PlayStation 3 Super Slim featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a more compact design. It's considered the most durable PS3 model, thanks to its streamlined design and disc drive.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

Introduced in November 2013, the PlayStation 4 boasted internals over five times faster than the PS3, enabling a significant leap in visual fidelity. Iconic titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima highlighted its capabilities. It also featured a removable HDD and an ergonomic DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

Launched in September 2016, the PlayStation 4 Slim offered a more compact and efficient version of the PS4, with no performance differences but a smaller design and quieter cooling system.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

Released in November 2016, the PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. It enabled enhanced visuals and boosted frame rates for many titles.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

Launched in November 2020, the PlayStation 5 stands as Sony's most powerful console to date, with features like ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The accompanying DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Check out our list of the best PS5 games for some of the best titles of the decade.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

Introduced in November 2023, the PlayStation 5 Slim maintained the hardware of the original but in a smaller form factor. Its modular design allows for a disc drive to be added later, offering flexibility to gamers.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Officially revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro targets higher frame rates and enhanced ray tracing, utilizing 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 marks the significant console update for 2024. As for the next generation, the PS6 is speculated to launch sometime between 2026 and 2030, though exact details remain uncertain.