PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation stands as a titan in the gaming world, with a legacy that spans over three decades. From the iconic PlayStation 1, which introduced gamers to unforgettable titles like Final Fantasy VII, to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 with its blockbuster hits like God of War: Ragnarok, Sony has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming. Over the years, numerous consoles have been released, including revisions, portable units, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for preorder, let's take a look at every PlayStation console that has ever been released.

As Sony celebrates 30 years since the launch of its first console, it's a perfect time to reminisce and explore the rich history of PlayStation!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have graced the gaming landscape since the original PlayStation debuted in North America in 1995. This count includes Slim revisions, as well as 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

It all began with the Sony PlayStation, a groundbreaking console that revolutionized gaming by using CD-ROMs instead of cartridges. This shift allowed for larger, more immersive games, drawing major developers like Square Enix to create iconic 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 sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, offering the same great gameplay in a smaller package. A notable change was the removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo pack, which included an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by the removal of some ports on the back. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, an impressive feat in retrospect.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 brought a significant leap in visual fidelity, transitioning from polygon-shaped figures to detailed 3D models. It remains the best-selling console of all time, though the Nintendo Switch is gaining ground. Dive into our list of the best PS2 games to understand its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim improved performance, efficiency, and design. The top-load disc drive addressed issues with dual-layer discs, while a redesign of the internals reduced power consumption. The smaller form factor marked Sony's first use of the 'Slim' moniker, a tradition continued in subsequent generations.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. Capable of playing games, movies, and music, the PSP used UMDs for physical media and could connect with PS2 and PS3 for enhanced gameplay. The best PSP games showcased the console's versatility and power.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 introduced the PlayStation Network (PSN), revolutionizing online gaming with multiplayer and digital downloads. It was also backward compatible with PS1 and PS2 titles and supported Blu-ray, making it a top choice for movie enthusiasts in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim reduced the original's size and weight by over 33% and improved thermals. However, it dropped support for backward compatibility, a feature that has not returned in later models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita was Sony's advanced portable gaming system, allowing players to enjoy a vast library of titles across PS3 and Vita. It later added Remote Play for PS4, enhancing its versatility.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final PS3 revision, featuring a top-load Blu-ray drive and improved efficiency. Its durability and slim design made it a standout model.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 offered a massive performance leap over the PS3, supporting stunning visuals in games like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima. It introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games continue to captivate players.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim enhanced the PS4 experience with a smaller, more power-efficient design and a quieter cooling system, without compromising performance.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro introduced 4K support and HDR, doubling the GPU power of the standard PS4. This allowed for enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay on 4K displays.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The DualSense controller added innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Explore our list of the best PS5 games to see what this powerhouse can do.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim offers a more compact design without altering the internal hardware. Its modular design allows for the separate purchase of a disc drive, enhancing flexibility.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Leaks confirmed the PS5 Pro's reveal during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation. This mid-generation upgrade focuses on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like the PS5 Slim, it omits the disc drive for a sleeker design. The PS5 Pro launches at $699.99 USD, including the console, a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

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