PlayStation Consoles: Complete Release Date Timeline

PlayStation has cemented its status as a titan in the gaming world, captivating players for over three decades with iconic consoles and groundbreaking games. From the groundbreaking debut of the original PlayStation with unforgettable classics like Final Fantasy VII to the cutting-edge PlayStation 5 and its blockbuster hit, God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation continues to innovate and thrill gamers worldwide. Over the years, Sony has released numerous consoles, including revisions, portable devices, and new generations, culminating with the latest PS5 Pro available for preorder. As we celebrate 30 years since the launch of the first console, let's journey through the evolution of PlayStation and explore every console Sony has ever released.

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 not only the mainline consoles but also includes Slim revision models and Sony's two portable offerings under the PlayStation brand.

Latest Model### PlayStation 5 Pro

5See it at AmazonEvery PlayStation Console in Order of Release

PlayStation - September 9, 1995

The original Sony PlayStation revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing CD-ROM technology, offering more space for developers to craft immersive games. This console is legendary for titles like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil 2, Vagrant Story, and the beloved Crash Bandicoot series.

PS One - September 19, 2000

The PS One is a sleek redesign of the original PlayStation, featuring a smaller footprint and the notable removal of the reset button. In 2002, Sony introduced the Combo, an attachable screen for the PS One, made possible by streamlining the console's ports. Remarkably, the PS One outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000.

PlayStation 2 - October 26, 2000

The PlayStation 2 significantly enhanced visual fidelity, ushering in a new era of detailed 3D gaming. As the best-selling console of all time, its legacy is unmatched, though the Nintendo Switch is steadily catching up. Discover the best PS2 games to understand why it was so cherished.

PlayStation 2 Slim - November 2004

The PlayStation 2 Slim improved performance, efficiency, and design with a top-loading disc drive that addressed issues with dual layer discs. Sony also optimized the internals for better power efficiency. This Slim model set a precedent for future PlayStation revisions.

PlayStation Portable - March 24, 2005

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first venture into portable gaming under the PlayStation brand. This versatile device played games, movies, and music via UMDs and offered connectivity with PS2 and PS3 for certain titles. The PSP's best games showcased its impressive capabilities.

PlayStation 3 - November 17, 2006

The PlayStation 3 introduced the PlayStation Network, revolutionizing online gaming with multiplayer, digital downloads, and more. It was also backwards compatible with PS1 and PS2 games and supported Blu-ray, making it a formidable media player.

PlayStation 3 Slim - September 1, 2009

The PlayStation 3 Slim reduced weight, size, and power consumption by 33% and featured a redesigned cooling system. Notably, this model discontinued backwards compatibility, a feature that never returned in subsequent models.

PlayStation Vita - February 22, 2012

The PlayStation Vita, Sony's next portable console, allowed for seamless gameplay across PS3 and Vita titles. At launch, it was the most advanced handheld system, later adding PS4 Remote Play for streaming games at home.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim - September 25, 2012

The PlayStation 3 Super Slim, the final PS3 revision, featured a top-loading Blu-ray drive, improved power efficiency, and a slimmer design. It stands out as the most durable PS3 model due to its robust construction.

PlayStation 4 - November 15, 2013

The PlayStation 4 boasted internals five times faster than the PS3, delivering stunning visual upgrades. Iconic titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima highlighted its capabilities. The PS4 also introduced a removable HDD and the ergonomic DualShock 4 controller.

PlayStation 4 Slim - September 15, 2016

The PlayStation 4 Slim maintained the performance of the original PS4 in a more compact and energy-efficient design. Its quieter cooling system and smaller form factor were significant advantages.

PlayStation 4 Pro - November 10, 2016

The PlayStation 4 Pro marked Sony's entry into 4K gaming with upscale technology and HDR support. With double the GPU power of the PS4, it offered enhanced frame rates for numerous games.

PlayStation 5 - November 12, 2020

The PlayStation 5 is the most powerful console in Sony's lineup, supporting ray tracing, 120FPS, and native 4K output. Accompanied by the innovative DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, the PS5 has redefined gaming. Explore the best PS5 games for the latest in console gaming.

PlayStation 5 Slim - November 10, 2023

The PlayStation 5 Slim retains the powerful internals of its predecessor in a more compact form. Its modular design allows for a separate purchase of the disc drive, offering flexibility to users.

PlayStation 5 Pro - November 7, 2024

The PlayStation 5 Pro was revealed during Sony's technical presentation, focusing on higher frame rates, enhanced ray tracing, and machine learning through PSSR. Priced at $699.99 USD, it includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro's Playroom, but like the PS5 Slim, it lacks a built-in disc drive.

Upcoming PlayStation Consoles

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