If you're a gaming aficionado, chances are you've encountered the legendary brand known as PlayStation. Since the debut of the original console with iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge God of War: Ragnarok on the PlayStation 5, this brand remains a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over three decades, Sony has released numerous iterations of its consoles, including slimmed-down versions, portables, and next-gen updates. With the highly anticipated PS5 Pro now available for preorder, we’ve rounded up every PlayStation console ever released.
As the gaming giant celebrates 30 years since launching its first console, take a trip down memory lane and explore the rich history of PlayStation!
AnswerSee Results *Looking to snag a deal on the new PlayStation 5 or games for your system? Be sure to check out the latest PlayStation offers available today.*How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the debut of the original PlayStation in 1995. This list includes slimmed-down revisions for consoles and the two portable systems Sony has released under the PlayStation brand.
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Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release
PlayStation - September 9, 1995
The Sony PlayStation was the console that started it all. Departing from the cartridge-based approach of its competitors, the PlayStation used CD-ROMs, which offered far greater storage capacity. This shift allowed major developers like Square Enix to craft groundbreaking titles for the console. The PlayStation is eternally remembered for classics such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, Crash Bandicoot, and countless others.
PS One - September 19, 2000
The PS One is a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, retaining the same features but in a smaller form factor. One notable change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony launched an attachable screen for the PS One called the Combo, made possible by removing some miscellaneous ports from the console's rear. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000—a fact that’s surprising in hindsight.
PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000
The PlayStation 2 entered the market in October 2000, offering vastly improved visual fidelity compared to its predecessor. The era of polygonal characters was replaced by detailed character models and immersive 3D action titles. To this day, the PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console of all time, although the Nintendo Switch is closing in with each update. Check out our guide for the best PS2 games to understand why it was so beloved.
PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004
The PlayStation 2 Slim made significant strides in performance, efficiency, and design. For starters, the disc drive was changed to a top-loading mechanism, addressing issues players faced with dual-layer discs on the standard PlayStation 2. Sony also optimized the internal components to reduce power consumption. Smaller and more efficient, the PS2 Slim was the first of Sony’s Slim revisions, a trend that continues across all subsequent generations.
PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s first portable console under the PlayStation name. Also known as the PSP (to avoid confusion with the new PlayStation Portal), this device could play games, watch movies, and listen to music. It used UMDs as its primary storage medium for games and films. The PSP could also connect to the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 in certain scenarios, allowing some titles to utilize the device in gameplay. The best PSP games from the era remain fan favorites.
PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006
The PlayStation 3 marked a significant leap forward from the PS2, boasting numerous new features. The introduction of PlayStation Network brought online multiplayer, digital downloads, and more. The console was backward compatible with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles, allowing players to enjoy older games alongside PS3 exclusives. Additionally, the PS3 supported Blu-ray discs, turning it into one of the best Blu-ray players available in 2024.
PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009
Releasing three years after the original PS3, the PlayStation 3 Slim shed over 33% of the weight, bulk, and power consumption of its predecessor. The cooling system was entirely revamped for better space utilization and thermals. The most notable change was the loss of backward compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles, a feature that has never been reintroduced.
PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012
The PlayStation Vita marked Sony’s first new entry into the portable gaming space in nearly seven years. Its standout feature was the ability to play hundreds of titles across both the PS3 and Vita. At launch, it was the most advanced portable system on the market, offering features no other competitor could match. Later in its lifecycle, Remote Play for PlayStation 4 was added, enabling players to stream PS4 games to the Vita from anywhere in their home.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012
The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final iteration of the PlayStation 3. Released just a year before the PS4 hit stores, the Super Slim featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, enhanced power efficiency, and an even slimmer design. Looking back, the Super Slim proved to be the most durable PS3 model, thanks to its disc drive and compact build.