PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date History

PlayStation stands as a legendary name in gaming, having revolutionized the industry with its debut console and continuing to captivate gamers with the latest PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, Sony has released a diverse range of consoles, including revisions, portable models, and new generations. As the PS5 Pro becomes available for preorder, we present a comprehensive overview of every PlayStation console that has hit the market.

Celebrating 30 years since the launch of its inaugural console, let's take a nostalgic journey through the storied history of PlayStation.

Looking to save on a new PlayStation 5 or new titles for your system? Be sure to check out the best PlayStation deals available today.

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the first PlayStation debuted in 1995 in North America. This count 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

The Sony PlayStation marked the beginning of a gaming revolution. By adopting CD-ROM technology over Nintendo's cartridges, it offered greater storage capacity, attracting major developers like Square Enix. Iconic titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and Crash Bandicoot cemented its legacy.

PS One - September 19, 2000

The PS One was a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining its core features while removing the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by the removal of certain ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

The PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in visual quality, transitioning from polygonal figures to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing the gap. Explore our list of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

The PlayStation 2 Slim improved performance, efficiency, and design. It featured a top-loading disc drive, addressing issues with dual-layer discs, and reduced power consumption through internal redesigns. This model set the precedent for Sony's subsequent Slim revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. It supported games, movies, and music via UMDs and could connect with PS2 and PS3 for certain in-game functionalities. The PSP's best games were notable entries in their respective franchises.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

The PlayStation 3 introduced significant advancements, including the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It was backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray discs, enhancing its appeal as a multimedia device.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

The PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. It featured a redesigned cooling system but dropped backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature not reinstated in later models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

The PlayStation Vita was Sony's next portable console, offering advanced features and the ability to play titles across PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of PS4 games to the Vita within the home.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final PS3 revision, featuring a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a slimmer design. It became the most durable PS3 model due to its robust disc drive and compact body.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

The PlayStation 4 offered a fivefold increase in processing power over the PS3, enabling stunning visual enhancements. It featured acclaimed titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima, along with a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

The PlayStation 4 Slim was a more compact and power-efficient version of the PS4, maintaining the same performance but with a smaller design and quieter cooling system.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

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

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

The PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Discover the best PS5 games for a glimpse into this generation's top titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

The PlayStation 5 Slim offers a smaller form factor and a modular design, allowing the purchase of a disc drive separately. It maintains the powerful internals of the original PS5.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

The PS5 Pro, revealed during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). It features a sleeker design without a disc drive, priced at $699.99 USD, including a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

The PS5 Pro was the anticipated console reveal for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 could launch anytime between 2026 and 2030.