Every PlayStation Console: A Full History of Release Dates

PlayStation has become an iconic name in the gaming world, captivating players with its innovative consoles and groundbreaking titles. From the launch of the original PlayStation, which introduced gamers to classics like Final Fantasy VII, to the latest PlayStation 5 with its blockbuster hits such as God of War: Ragnarok, Sony has remained a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Over the past three decades, the PlayStation family has expanded to include multiple generations, revisions, and portable devices. Now, with the PS5 Pro available for preorder, we take a comprehensive look at every PlayStation console that has ever been released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the debut of its first console, join us on a nostalgic journey through the history of PlayStation!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation hit the market in 1995 in North America. This number encompasses 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 PlayStation era, Sony's first console revolutionized the gaming industry by using CD-ROMs instead of cartridges. This allowed for greater storage capacity, attracting major developers like Square Enix. Iconic games such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot became synonymous with the PlayStation's legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining the same gameplay experience in a smaller package. The removal of the reset button was the primary change. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen made possible by removing certain ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

With its debut in October 2000, the PlayStation 2 brought significantly enhanced visuals, moving from simple polygons to detailed 3D characters. It remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch continues to close the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim brought significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and design. The introduction of a top-loading disc drive resolved issues with dual-layer discs, while internal redesigns reduced power consumption. This smaller, more efficient model marked Sony's first use of the 'Slim' designation, a trend continued in subsequent generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony's first foray into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. This versatile device could play games, movies, and music using UMDs. Its connectivity with PS2 and PS3 allowed for unique gaming experiences. The best PSP games were noteworthy additions to popular series.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 was a leap forward, introducing the PlayStation Network (PSN) for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It supported backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, and added Blu-ray support, making it one of the top Blu-ray players in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

Arriving three years after the original PS3, the Slim model reduced size and power consumption by over 33%. Its redesigned cooling system improved thermal performance but eliminated backward compatibility for PS1 and PS2 titles, a feature never reinstated.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita re-entered the portable gaming market after a seven-year hiatus, boasting advanced features and cross-play capabilities with PS3 and later, PS4 games via Remote Play. It was the most sophisticated portable system available at its launch.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the last revision of the PS3, introducing a top-loading Blu-ray drive and further enhancing power efficiency and design. Its durability is attributed to the new disc drive and sleeker form factor.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a fivefold increase in processing power over the PS3, enhancing game visuals significantly. Hits like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima defined its era. The console also featured a removable HDD and an ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. Our selection of the best PS4 games highlights its lasting impact.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim improved on the original PS4 with better power efficiency and a smaller design. While performance remained unchanged, the quieter cooling system and compact form factor were major draws.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K and HDR support, leveraging upscale technology and doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. This allowed for enhanced visuals and higher frame rates in many games.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup to date, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. Its larger size is offset by advanced features in the DualSense controller, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Our curated list of the best PS5 games showcases the console's capabilities.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim retains the core hardware of the original PS5 but in a more compact form. Its modular design allows for the separate purchase of a disc drive, enhancing flexibility for users.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks, the PS5 Pro was unveiled at Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation. This mid-generation upgrade focuses on higher frame rates, improved ray tracing, and the integration of machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like the PS5 Slim, it omits the disc drive for a sleeker design. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro marked the significant console update for 2024. As for the next PlayStation generation, the PS6's release is speculated to occur between 2026 and 2030.