PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy that spans over three decades. From the groundbreaking PlayStation 1, which introduced iconic games like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster titles like God of War: Ragnarok, Sony's brand has consistently been at the forefront of the industry. Over the years, PlayStation has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, 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 we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the first PlayStation, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of this legendary gaming brand!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation debuted in North America in 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

It all began with the Sony PlayStation, a revolutionary console that shifted the industry from cartridges to CD-ROMs. This change allowed for larger, more complex games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. The PlayStation is celebrated for classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, among many other beloved PS1 titles.

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. A notable change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing some ports on the console's back. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a testament to its enduring popularity.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 revolutionized gaming with its enhanced visual fidelity, moving from polygon-shaped figures to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand why it captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-load disc drive addressed issues with dual-layer discs, and the internal redesign reduced power consumption. The smaller size earned it the 'Slim' moniker, setting a trend for future PlayStation revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It offered versatile entertainment options, including games, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical storage. The PSP could connect with PS2 and PS3 for certain in-game functionalities, and its library included some of the best titles in various franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 marked a significant leap forward, introducing PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray discs, making it a top choice for home entertainment in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermals, but this model dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita was Sony's next portable gaming device, offering advanced features and the ability to play titles across PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of PS4 games to the Vita within the home.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final PS3 revision, featuring a top-load Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a sleeker design. It's noted for its durability, largely due to the disc drive and slim body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

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

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and power-efficient version of the PS4, maintaining the same performance in a smaller, quieter package.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, leveraging upscale technology and a more powerful GPU to enhance gaming visuals and frame rates.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Check out our list of the best PS5 games for some of the decade's top titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim offers a smaller footprint and a modular design, allowing for the purchase of a disc drive separately.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks and officially revealed 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). It features a sleeker design without a disc drive and launches 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 reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.