PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation is a legendary name in the gaming world, having shaped the industry with iconic consoles and groundbreaking games. From the original PlayStation's launch in 1995, which introduced gamers to unforgettable titles like Final Fantasy VII, to the latest PlayStation 5 with its blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, Sony has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming. Over the past three decades, the PlayStation family has grown to include various models, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, let's explore every PlayStation console ever released.

As we celebrate 30 years of PlayStation, let's take a nostalgic journey through its storied history.

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the debut of the original PlayStation in North America in 1995. This number includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles released under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Launching the iconic PlayStation brand, this console revolutionized the industry by adopting CD-ROMs, allowing for larger, more immersive games. It became home to classics like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, and Resident Evil 2, cementing its place in gaming history.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same gaming experience in a smaller package. It notably removed the reset button and introduced the Combo screen attachment, which was made possible by the removal of certain ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

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 ever, with timeless games that continue to captivate gamers. Discover the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim improved on the original with a top-loading disc drive, increased efficiency, and a much smaller design. This model marked Sony's first Slim revision, a trend that continued in subsequent PlayStation generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Sony's first foray into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand, the PSP, offered gaming, movies, and music on the go. Using UMDs for storage, it also connected with PS2 and PS3 for certain games, delivering a robust library of top-notch titles.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 was a major leap forward, introducing PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray, setting a new standard for home entertainment.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the console's weight, size, and power consumption significantly. However, it dropped backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games, a feature that has not returned in later models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita brought advanced portable gaming to the market, offering connectivity with PS3 and later PS4 through Remote Play. It was a powerhouse of features and a home for some incredible gaming experiences.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PS3, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive and even better efficiency and design. It proved to be the most durable PS3 model released by Sony.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 delivered a massive performance boost, enabling breathtaking visuals and gameplay. It launched with standout titles like Uncharted 4 and God of War, and introduced the highly ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games continue to be celebrated today.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and energy-efficient version of the PS4, maintaining the same performance in a quieter, smaller package.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K and HDR support, doubling the GPU power of the original PS4 and enabling higher frame rates and better visuals.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, with features like ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added innovative haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Explore the best PS5 games to see what this powerhouse can do.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim refined the PS5's design, making it more compact while maintaining its powerful internals. It introduced a modular design, allowing for a disc drive to be added later if needed.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Officially revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro focuses on enhanced frame rates, improved ray tracing, and introduces machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It maintains a sleek design without a disc drive and comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed at a price of $699.99 USD.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the highlight of 2024, but as for the next generation of PlayStation consoles, speculation points to a PS6 release sometime between 2026 and 2030.