PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation stands as one of the most iconic brands in gaming history, from the groundbreaking PlayStation 1 with classics like Final Fantasy VII to the current powerhouse, PlayStation 5, featuring blockbuster titles such as God of War: Ragnarok. Over the past three decades, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable units, and new generations. With the PS5 Pro now available for pre-order, we've put together a comprehensive list of every PlayStation console ever released.

As the gaming giant marks its 30th anniversary since the debut of the original console, let's embark on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of PlayStation!

How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?

In total, fourteen PlayStation consoles have been released since the launch of the first PlayStation in North America in 1995. This count encompasses Slim revision models and the two portable consoles under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

Revolutionizing the gaming industry, the Sony PlayStation marked the beginning of an era. By adopting CD-ROMs over cartridges, it offered developers like Square Enix vast storage capacity, leading to the creation of legendary titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, Crash Bandicoot, and more unforgettable PS1 games.

PS One - September 19, 2000

PS One is a compact redesign of the original PlayStation, maintaining the same features but in a smaller package. Notably, it omitted the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo accessory, an attachable screen for the PS One, enabled by the removal of some ports. Interestingly, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, a testament to its enduring appeal.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

PlayStation 2 burst onto the scene in October 2000, significantly enhancing visual quality over its predecessor. It ushered in an era of detailed 3D models and action-packed games. To date, the PS2 remains the best-selling console ever, though the Nintendo Switch is gaining ground. Discover why it was so cherished with our list of the top PS2 games of all time.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

PlayStation 2 Slim improved upon its original in performance, efficiency, and design. The introduction of a top-load disc drive resolved issues with dual layer discs, and internal enhancements reduced power consumption. Its smaller footprint, aptly named 'Slim,' set a precedent for future PlayStation revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

Marking Sony's entry into the portable gaming market, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) offered versatile entertainment with game play, movie watching, and music listening capabilities. Using UMDs for storage, it connected with PS2 and PS3 for certain functionalities, and boasted a strong lineup of the best PSP games.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

PlayStation 3 represented a major leap forward, introducing the PlayStation Network for online multiplayer and digital downloads. It supported backwards compatibility for PS1 and PS2 games and incorporated Blu-ray technology, making it one of the top Blu-ray players in 2024.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

PlayStation 3 Slim, launched three years after the original, was lighter and more power-efficient with a revamped cooling system. However, it notably dropped support for PS1 and PS2 games, a feature not seen again in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

PlayStation Vita re-entered the portable gaming arena after nearly seven years, offering cross-play with PS3 and Vita titles. At launch, it was the most advanced portable console, later enhanced with Remote Play for PS4.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

PlayStation 3 Super Slim, the final PS3 iteration, featured a top-load Blu-ray drive, enhanced efficiency, and a sleeker design. It proved to be the most durable PS3 model, attributed to its disc drive and compact build.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

PlayStation 4 delivered a significant performance boost over the PS3, with stunning visual improvements. It introduced iconic titles such as Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima, and offered a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller. The best PS4 games continue to be celebrated as modern classics.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

PlayStation 4 Slim refined the original PS4 into a more compact and energy-efficient model. While performance remained unchanged, the smaller size and quieter operation were major advantages.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

PlayStation 4 Pro advanced beyond the standard PS4, introducing 4K and HDR support. With enhanced GPU power, it enabled higher frame rates and better visuals for numerous titles.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

PlayStation 5 stands as the most powerful console in the PlayStation lineage, boasting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. The accompanying DualSense controller introduced innovative features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Explore the best PS5 games for a taste of this generation's top titles.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

PlayStation 5 Slim streamlined the original PS5's design while maintaining its powerful hardware. The modular approach allows for a disc drive to be added later, enhancing flexibility for users.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

Confirmed by leaks and officially unveiled during Sony's PlayStation 5 Technical Presentation, the PS5 Pro targets higher frame rates with enhanced ray tracing and machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Like its Slim counterpart, it omits a disc drive for a more streamlined look. 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 major console announcement for 2024. As for the next generation, speculation suggests the PS6 might launch between 2026 and 2030.