PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as a towering figure in the gaming world, having captivated audiences for over three decades with iconic titles from the original PlayStation's Final Fantasy VII to the PlayStation 5's God of War: Ragnarok. The brand has evolved through numerous console iterations, including revisions, portable devices, and generational upgrades. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we take a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console ever released.

As Sony marks 30 years since the debut of its first console, let's embark on 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 North America in 1995. This count includes slim revisions 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 era, this console broke the mold by adopting CD-ROMs over cartridges, enabling developers like Square Enix to create expansive games. It's remembered fondly for classics like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot.

PS One - September 19, 2000

A compact redesign of the original PlayStation, the PS One retained all its predecessor's capabilities in a smaller package, ditching the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing some ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

Revolutionizing gaming with enhanced visuals and detailed 3D models, the PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console ever. Its legacy is upheld by timeless games, as detailed in our list of the best PS2 games.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

With significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and design, the PS2 Slim introduced a top-loading disc drive and reduced power consumption. This model set the precedent for Sony's subsequent slim revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Marking Sony's entry into portable gaming, the PSP offered versatile entertainment with UMDs for games and movies, and connectivity with PS2 and PS3. It's celebrated for its strong game lineup.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

A leap forward with the PlayStation Network, the PS3 introduced online multiplayer, digital downloads, and Blu-ray support. Its backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games was a significant feature.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Reducing size and power consumption by over 33%, the PS3 Slim featured a revamped cooling system but dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

Offering advanced portable gaming, the Vita allowed for cross-play with PS3 titles and later added PS4 Remote Play, enhancing its appeal.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

With a top-loading Blu-ray drive and improved efficiency, the PS3 Super Slim was the most durable PS3 model, released just before the PS4's debut.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

With internals five times faster than the PS3, the PS4 delivered stunning visuals and memorable titles like Uncharted 4 and God of War. Its removable HDD and ergonomic DualShock 4 controller were notable enhancements.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

Offering a more compact and power-efficient design, the PS4 Slim maintained the performance of the original PS4 while improving its cooling system.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

Introducing 4K and HDR support, the PS4 Pro doubled the GPU power of the PS4, enabling enhanced frame rates and visuals.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

With ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K support, the PS5 is the most powerful PlayStation to date. The DualSense controller's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback added new dimensions to gameplay.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

Maintaining the PS5's power in a smaller form factor, the PS5 Slim introduced a modular design, allowing for a separate disc drive purchase.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks and officially revealed, the PS5 Pro focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via 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 anticipated reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.