PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with its legacy stretching back to the iconic launch of the original console and continuing to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5. Over the past three decades, Sony has released a multitude of consoles, including revisions, portable systems, and new generations, culminating in the recent availability of the PS5 Pro for pre-order. As we celebrate 30 years of PlayStation, let's embark on a 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 first PlayStation in North America in 1995. This count includes Slim revision models and the two portable consoles Sony has released under the PlayStation brand.

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, which revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing CD-ROM technology. This allowed for larger and more intricate games, attracting major developers like Square Enix to the platform. The PlayStation is celebrated for legendary titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a sleeker, more compact version of the original PlayStation, lacking only the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by removing certain ports. Remarkably, in 2000, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 arrived with a significant leap in visual quality, moving from blocky polygons to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily gaining ground. Explore our selection of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim improved upon its predecessor in performance, efficiency, and design. The top-load disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, and the console's power consumption was significantly reduced. The Slim model's compact design set a trend for future PlayStation iterations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first foray into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music through UMDs and could connect with PS2 and PS3 for certain titles. The PSP offered a robust library of quality games from various franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 introduced groundbreaking features like PlayStation Network (PSN), which brought online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 titles and supported Blu-ray discs, enhancing its appeal as a media center.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. A redesigned cooling system improved thermal performance, though this model dropped backwards compatibility with older PlayStation titles.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita, Sony's next portable system, offered advanced features and the ability to play titles from both PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, enabling streaming of PS4 games to the Vita.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final PS3 revision, featuring a top-load Blu-ray drive and enhanced power efficiency. Its durability and design made it the most robust PS3 model.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 boasted internals five times faster than the PS3, leading to a substantial increase in game visual quality. Notable titles include Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. The console also featured a removable HDD and an improved DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim offered a more compact and power-efficient design without sacrificing performance. Its quieter cooling system was a significant enhancement.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. This enabled higher frame rates and improved visual fidelity for many games.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineage, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, enhancing gameplay immersion. Discover some of the best PS5 games to experience its capabilities.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim retains the original's power in a more compact form. Its modular design allows for a disc drive to be purchased separately, offering flexibility to consumers.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

PlayStation 5 Pro, unveiled during Sony's technical presentation, focuses on higher frame rates and enhanced ray tracing through Playstation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro is the latest in the 2024 lineup. As for future consoles, speculation suggests the PS6 might launch between 2026 and 2030.