PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation is a titan in the world of gaming, with a legacy stretching back to its iconic debut console and continuing to the latest PlayStation 5. From the groundbreaking Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation to the epic God of War: Ragnarok on the PS5, Sony has consistently delivered unforgettable gaming experiences. Over the past three decades, PlayStation has evolved through numerous consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, let's take a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console ever released.

As we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the first console, let's embark on a nostalgic journey through the rich 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 launched in 1995 in North America. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles 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 gaming with its CD-ROM technology, offering much more storage than traditional cartridges. This innovation attracted major developers like Square Enix, resulting in iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot. The PlayStation laid the foundation for what would become a legendary franchise.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a compact version of the original PlayStation, featuring the same gameplay experience in a smaller package. 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 the removal of some ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, showcasing its enduring popularity.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 marked a significant leap in visual quality, introducing detailed 3D character models and action-packed titles. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Explore our selection of the best PS2 games to understand why this console was so beloved.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought substantial enhancements in performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-loading disc drive, which resolved issues with dual-layer discs, and reduced power consumption through internal redesigns. Its smaller size heralded the start of Sony's Slim revisions, a trend that continued with subsequent PlayStation models.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first foray into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It supported gaming, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical media. The PSP could connect with PlayStation 2 and 3 for certain games, and it boasted a strong lineup of quality titles across various genres.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 introduced a host of new features, including the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and added Blu-ray support, making it a top choice for home entertainment in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original PS3's size and power consumption by over 33%, and it featured a new cooling system. However, it lacked backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita was Sony's next portable gaming venture, offering advanced features and the ability to play hundreds of titles from both PS3 and Vita libraries. It later added Remote Play for PS4, enhancing its versatility.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final revision of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and an even slimmer design. It was the most durable PS3 model due to its robust disc drive and compact body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4's internals were over five times faster than the PS3, enabling significant improvements in game visuals. It launched with titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also featured a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller, enhancing player comfort during extended gaming sessions.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and efficient version of the PS4, offering the same performance in a smaller form factor with a quieter cooling system.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, utilizing upscale technology for enhanced visuals. With twice the GPU power of the standard PS4, it delivered higher frame rates for many titles.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. Its large size is offset by its impressive performance and the innovative DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games for a glimpse into this decade's top titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim is a smaller version of the PS5, maintaining its core hardware while introducing a modular design. This allows users to purchase a disc-less console and add a disc drive later if desired.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

As anticipated, the PS5 Pro was unveiled during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focusing on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It features a sleek, disc-less design and comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed, priced at $699.99 USD.

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, though exact details remain under wraps.