PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy stretching back to the iconic original console and its groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VII. Fast forward to the present, and the PlayStation 5, with its blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, continues to cement Sony's status as a key player in the industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable units, and new generations. With the latest PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console released to date.

As Sony marks 30 years since the debut of its first console, let's take 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 first PlayStation debuted in 1995 in North America. This count encompasses Slim revision models, as well as 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

It all began with the Sony PlayStation, which revolutionized the gaming industry by shifting from cartridges to CD-ROMs. This allowed for larger, more intricate games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation's legacy includes timeless classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same gaming experience in a more compact form. The key change was the elimination of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing certain ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in visual quality, ushering in an era of detailed character models and 3D action games. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Discover why it was so beloved with our list of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial enhancements in performance, efficiency, and design. The disc drive became top-loading, addressing issues with dual-layer discs on original PS2s. Sony also improved power efficiency through internal redesigns. This Slim model set the stage for future Slim revisions across PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It offered versatile media capabilities, using UMDs for games and movies, and could connect to PS2 and PS3 for some in-game functions. The best PSP games showcased the strength of this handheld's library.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 brought a host of new features, most notably the PlayStation Network (PSN), which introduced online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 titles and supported Blu-ray discs, making it a top choice for Blu-ray playback even today.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim significantly reduced the size, weight, and power consumption of the original PS3. It featured a redesigned cooling system but dropped backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned since.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, Sony's next portable entry, came with advanced features unmatched at the time of release. It allowed for cross-play with PS3 and later introduced Remote Play for PS4, enabling streaming of PS4 games to the Vita.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final PS3 revision, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and a more compact design. This model proved to be the most durable PS3 due to its design improvements.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a fivefold increase in internal performance over the PS3, delivering stunning visual upgrades. It saw the release of landmark titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. Explore the best PS4 games for some of today's top gaming experiences.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and efficient version of the original PS4, with no performance differences but a smaller design and quieter cooling system, making it a popular choice.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR technology, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4 and offering improved frame rates for many games.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineage, with features like ray tracing, 120FPS support, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Check out our list of the best PS5 games to see what this console can do.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim maintained the power of the original PS5 but in a smaller package. It introduced a modular design, allowing for the purchase of a disc drive separately.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

PlayStation 5 Pro, revealed during Sony's technical presentation, focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning via PSSR. It omits the disc drive for a sleeker design and will launch at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the major console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, the PS6 is speculated to launch between 2026 and 2030.