PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation has cemented itself as a legendary brand in the gaming world, captivating players since the launch of its first console in 1995. From the groundbreaking titles of the original PlayStation like Final Fantasy VII to the latest blockbuster hits on the PlayStation 5, such as God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to be a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, 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 PlayStation, join us on 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 debut of the first PlayStation 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

The original Sony PlayStation revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing CD-ROM technology, which offered significantly more storage than the cartridge-based systems of its time. This innovation attracted major developers like Square Enix, leading to iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot, cementing the PlayStation's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

The PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, retaining all its features while eliminating the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by the removal of certain ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a remarkable feat in retrospect.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

The PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in graphics and gameplay, moving away from polygonal 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 selection of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

The PlayStation 2 Slim offered enhanced performance, efficiency, and a sleeker design. It featured a top-loading disc drive that improved upon issues with dual-layer discs, and its internals were optimized for lower power consumption. This was Sony's first Slim revision, setting a trend for future PlayStation models.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first handheld console under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music via UMDs, and could connect with the PS2 and PS3 for certain functionalities. The PSP featured some of the best games in various franchises, making it a favorite among gamers.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

The PlayStation 3 introduced groundbreaking features like the PlayStation Network (PSN), which offered online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray playback, positioning it as a top-tier home entertainment system.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

The PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. Its redesigned cooling system improved thermal performance, but it notably lacked backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature that has not returned to subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

The PlayStation Vita was Sony's next venture into portable gaming, boasting advanced features and the ability to play a vast library of titles from both PS3 and Vita. Its later addition of Remote Play for PS4 allowed for streaming PS4 games, enhancing its versatility.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and an even slimmer design. Its durability, thanks to the disc drive and slimmer body, made it a robust choice for gamers.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

The PlayStation 4 offered a massive performance boost over the PS3, with internals five times faster, leading to stunning visual enhancements. It introduced iconic games 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

The 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, appealing to many players.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

The PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4, enabling enhanced frame rates and visuals for supported titles.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

The PlayStation 5 stands as the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineage, with features like ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The accompanying DualSense Controller introduced innovative features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, revolutionizing player interaction. Dive into our list of the best PS5 games to explore its remarkable titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

The PlayStation 5 Slim retained the power of the original PS5 while reducing its size and introducing a modular design. This allowed for the purchase of a console without a disc drive, with the option to add it later.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

The PlayStation 5 Pro was unveiled as a mid-generation upgrade focusing on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like the PS5 Slim, it lacks a built-in disc drive, emphasizing a sleeker design. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro marked the significant console update of 2024. As for the next generation of PlayStation consoles, the release of the PS6 is speculated to occur between 2026 and 2030, though exact dates remain uncertain.