PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation has become an iconic name in the gaming world, renowned for its groundbreaking consoles and unforgettable game titles. From the pioneering PlayStation with its legendary game Final Fantasy VII to the latest PlayStation 5 and its blockbuster hit, God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, the brand has introduced numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console released to date.

As we celebrate 30 years since the debut of the original PlayStation, let's embark 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 first PlayStation debuted in 1995 in North America. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles Sony has released under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Sony's PlayStation revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing CD-ROM technology, which offered greater storage capacity than the cartridges used by competitors like Nintendo. This shift attracted major developers such as Square Enix, leading to iconic titles like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, cementing the PlayStation's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One is a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, retaining all its features but in a smaller package. Notably, it lacked a 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 significantly enhanced visual fidelity with detailed character models and 3D action games. It remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is gradually closing the gap. Discover our picks for the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim introduced a top-loading disc drive, improved efficiency, and a more compact design. This model marked Sony's first use of the 'Slim' naming convention, which became a staple in subsequent PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first foray into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music on UMDs and could connect to PS2 and PS3 for some cross-platform play. The PSP featured many standout titles in popular franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 brought significant advancements, including the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and introduced Blu-ray support, making it a top choice for home entertainment.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original PS3's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. While it featured a redesigned cooling system, it notably lacked backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, Sony's next portable console, offered a vast library of titles across PS3 and Vita. At launch, it was the most advanced portable system available, later adding Remote Play for PS4 games.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the last PS3 revision, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a slimmer design. It's noted for its durability, largely due to its disc drive and compact form.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a significant leap in performance, boasting internals over five times faster than the PS3. It introduced stellar titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima, along with a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller.

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 design.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support with upscaling technology and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the original PS4 for enhanced frame rates.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 stands as the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and a USB-C port. Explore the best PS5 games for a glimpse into this generation's highlights.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim refined the original PS5's design into a more compact form while maintaining its powerful internals. It introduced a modular design, allowing the disc drive to be purchased separately.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks and officially unveiled, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It maintains a sleek design without a disc drive and includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom for $699.99 USD.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the anticipated reveal for 2024. As for the next generation of PlayStation consoles, speculation suggests the PS6 might launch between 2026 and 2030.