Every PlayStation Console: A Full History of Release Dates

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy that spans over three decades. From the groundbreaking PlayStation 1, which introduced us to unforgettable classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 and its recent hit, God of War: Ragnarok, Sony's brand has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming. Over the years, numerous consoles have been released, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever launched.

As we mark 30 years since the debut of the original console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have graced the market since the original PlayStation launched in 1995 in North America. This tally includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles released under the PlayStation banner.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

It all began with the Sony PlayStation, revolutionizing the gaming industry by shifting from cartridges to CD-ROMs. This change allowed for more expansive games, attracting major developers like Square Enix. Iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot cemented the PlayStation's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, sans the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen, enabled by removing some ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a testament to its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 debuted with a significant leap in visual quality, ushering in an era of detailed 3D gaming. As the best-selling console of all time, its popularity is unmatched, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand its lasting impact.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

With the PlayStation 2 Slim, Sony enhanced performance, efficiency, and design. The top-load disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, and internal changes reduced power consumption. The smaller size marked the beginning of Sony's Slim revisions across subsequent generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. Capable of playing games, movies, and music via UMDs, it also offered connectivity with PS2 and PS3 for certain games. The best PSP games showcased its robust gaming potential.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 introduced groundbreaking online capabilities through PlayStation Network (PSN), including multiplayer and digital downloads. It supported Blu-ray discs and was backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 games, setting a new standard for consoles.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Three years post-launch, the PlayStation 3 Slim reduced weight and power consumption by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermals, though it sacrificed backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 titles.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, arriving nearly seven years after the PSP, offered cross-play with PS3 and later PS4 via Remote Play. As the most advanced portable system at launch, it boasted numerous innovative features.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

Released just before the PS4, the PlayStation 3 Super Slim featured a top-load Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and a slimmer design. Its durability, thanks to the disc drive and compact body, made it the most robust PS3 model.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4's internals were over five times faster than PS3, supporting a vast improvement in game visuals. Stellar titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima defined its generation. Features like a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller enhanced the experience.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim offered a more compact and power-efficient design without sacrificing performance. Its smaller size and quieter cooling system were significant draws.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support with upscaling technology and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. It provided enhanced frame rates, catering to players with 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5, the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineage, supported ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and USB-C charging. Check out our list of the best PS5 games for this decade's highlights.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim retained the power of the original PS5 in a more compact design. Its modular structure allowed for a separate disc drive purchase, enhancing flexibility.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and machine learning via 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 highlight of 2024's console announcements. As for the next generation, the PS6 is speculated to launch between 2026 and 2030.