PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation stands as a legendary brand in the gaming world, from the iconic PlayStation 1 with its groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VII to the latest PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, Sony has launched numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we're taking a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console that has been released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the debut of its first console, let's embark 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 first PlayStation hit the market in 1995 in North America. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles that Sony has introduced under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Launched in 1995, the original Sony PlayStation revolutionized the gaming industry with its use of CD-ROMs, offering significantly more storage than the cartridges used by competitors like Nintendo. This allowed developers like Square Enix to create expansive games, including classics 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

Introduced in 2000, the PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, featuring a smaller form factor and the notable removal of the reset button. The PS One also introduced the Combo, an attachable screen released in 2002, 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

Arriving in October 2000, the PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in graphical capabilities, moving away from polygonal figures to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, with a library of unforgettable games. Discover why it was so loved by exploring our selection of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

Released in November 2004, the PlayStation 2 Slim featured a top-loading disc drive, which resolved issues with dual-layer discs on the original PS2. Sony also improved the console's efficiency and reduced its size, setting a precedent for future Slim revisions across all PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Launched in 2005, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) marked Sony's entry into handheld gaming, offering versatile entertainment options including gaming, movies, and music, all stored on UMDs. The PSP could also connect with PS2 and PS3 for enhanced gameplay experiences. Dive into the best PSP games to appreciate its contribution to portable gaming.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

Introduced in 2006, the PlayStation 3 significantly expanded the PlayStation ecosystem with the PlayStation Network (PSN), which brought online multiplayer, digital downloads, and more. It also supported Blu-ray playback and was backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games, making it a comprehensive entertainment system.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Launched in 2009, the PlayStation 3 Slim was a lighter, smaller, and more energy-efficient version of the original PS3. It notably excluded backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature that has not returned in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

Released in 2012, the PlayStation Vita was Sony's advanced portable system, boasting hundreds of titles playable across PS3 and Vita. It later supported Remote Play for PS4, enhancing its versatility in gaming.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

Introduced in 2012, the PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the last PS3 revision, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive and further improvements in power efficiency and design. It proved to be the most durable PS3 model due to its design enhancements.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

Launched in 2013, the PlayStation 4 offered a substantial performance boost over the PS3, with stunning visual quality and a library of acclaimed games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. It introduced a user-replaceable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

Released in 2016, the PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and power-efficient version of the PS4, maintaining the same performance but with a quieter cooling system and smaller design.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

Introduced in 2016, the PlayStation 4 Pro was the first PlayStation to support 4K resolution through upscaling technology and HDR, offering enhanced graphics and performance for gamers with 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

Launched in 2020, the PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in Sony's lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. It introduced the innovative DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Explore our list of the best PS5 games to experience this generation's finest.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

Released in 2023, the PlayStation 5 Slim maintained the powerful internals of the original PS5 but in a smaller form factor. Its modular design allows for the separate purchase of a disc drive, offering flexibility to consumers.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Announced during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and introduces machine learning through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the major console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.