PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as an iconic brand in the gaming world, having shaped the industry with its innovative consoles and groundbreaking titles. From the original PlayStation, which introduced us to legendary games like Final Fantasy VII, to the latest PlayStation 5, boasting blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, Sony has consistently been at the forefront of gaming. Over the past three decades, PlayStation has released a range of 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 ever released.

As the gaming giant celebrates 30 years since its first console launch, 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 first PlayStation hit the market in North America in 1995. This count encompasses the Slim revision models as well as the two portable consoles Sony released under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Marking the beginning of a legendary journey, the Sony PlayStation introduced a revolutionary CD-ROM format, allowing for more expansive and detailed games compared to the cartridge-based systems of the time. This shift 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, which cemented the PS1's legacy in gaming history.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining its performance while sporting a smaller form factor. A notable change was the omission of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing some ports from the console's back. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in the year 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 revolutionized gaming with a significant leap in visual quality and 3D capabilities. It moved away from the polygonal figures of the past to more detailed and immersive worlds. To date, it remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily gaining ground. Explore our selection of the best PS2 games to understand why it captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

With the PlayStation 2 Slim, Sony made significant strides in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-loading disc drive addressed issues with dual-layer discs, and the internal redesign improved power efficiency. The Slim's compact size set a precedent for future PlayStation Slim models.

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 gaming, movies, and music, using UMDs for physical media. The PSP also featured connectivity with PS2 and PS3, enhancing gameplay experiences. Discover the best PSP games to see why it was a beloved device.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 brought a host of new features, including the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and introduced Blu-ray support, making it a formidable media center. The PS3's capabilities have made modern consoles some of the best Blu-ray players available in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Three years after the original PS3, the Slim model reduced weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermals, but this model notably dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita was Sony's next step in portable gaming, offering advanced features and the ability to play a vast library of titles across PS3 and Vita. It was the most advanced portable system at its launch and later added Remote Play for PS4, allowing for streaming of PS4 games to the Vita.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

As the final revision of the PS3, the Super Slim model featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and a sleeker design. It proved to be the most durable PS3 model, thanks to its disc drive and compact body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a dramatic increase in performance, with internals over five times faster than the PS3. It brought us unforgettable titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The PS4 also introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. Dive into our list of the best PS4 games to see why it remains a favorite among gamers.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a refined version of the PS4, offering improved power efficiency and a smaller design. While performance remained unchanged, the quieter cooling system and compact form factor were significant enhancements.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro marked Sony's entry into 4K gaming, with upscale technology and HDR support. With twice the GPU power of the standard PS4, it provided enhanced frame rates and visuals 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. The DualSense controller introduced innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Check out our list of the best PS5 games to explore the latest in gaming excellence.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim offers a more compact design without altering the internal hardware significantly. Its modular design allows for the purchase of a disc drive separately, catering to different user preferences.

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 through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It also adopts a sleeker design without a disc drive. The PS5 Pro will launch at $699.99 USD, including the console, 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, the PS6 is speculated to launch sometime between 2026 and 2030, though exact dates remain uncertain.