For nearly 30 years, PlayStation has been one of the most influential brands in gaming history. From the CD-ROM revolution of the original PlayStation to the cutting-edge power of the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony has released a wide range of home consoles, slim revisions, and portable systems that helped shape modern gaming.
With 14 PlayStation consoles released to date, including revisions and handhelds, this guide walks through every PlayStation console in order of release, complete with launch dates, key features, and why each system mattered.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the PlayStation ecosystem, this is the full timeline of Sony’s iconic consoles.
How Many PlayStation Consoles Have There Been?
As of 2025, Sony has released fourteen PlayStation consoles under the PlayStation brand. This total includes:
- Mainline home consoles
- Slim and Pro revisions
- Portable PlayStation systems
The latest model is the PlayStation 5 Pro, released in late 2024.
Every PlayStation Console in Order of Release
1. PlayStation (PS1)
Release Date: September 9, 1995
The original PlayStation changed gaming forever by abandoning cartridges in favor of CD-ROM discs, allowing for larger, more complex games. This decision attracted major developers and led to legendary titles such as:
- Final Fantasy VII
- Metal Gear Solid
- Resident Evil 2
- Crash Bandicoot
- Vagrant Story
The PS1 established Sony as a serious force in the gaming industry and laid the foundation for everything that followed.
2. PS One
Release Date: September 19, 2000
The PS One was a redesigned, smaller version of the original PlayStation. While functionally similar, it removed the reset button and featured a more compact design.
In 2002, Sony released an attachable LCD screen, turning the PS One into a portable-style setup. Interestingly, this model outsold the PlayStation 2 in 2000, an impressive feat considering the PS2’s massive popularity.
3. PlayStation 2 (PS2)
Release Date: October 26, 2000
The PlayStation 2 delivered a massive leap in graphics and performance. It also doubled as a DVD player, which helped drive early sales.
To this day, the PS2 remains the best-selling video game console of all time. Its legendary library includes thousands of games across nearly every genre, cementing its place in gaming history.
4. PlayStation 2 Slim
Release Date: November 2004
Sony’s first-ever “Slim” revision, the PS2 Slim, dramatically reduced size and power consumption. Key improvements included:
- A top-loading disc drive, improving reliability
- Better efficiency and cooling
- A much smaller physical footprint
The success of this model established the Slim concept that Sony would continue using in future generations.
5. PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Release Date: March 24, 2005
The PSP marked Sony’s first portable console under the PlayStation brand. It used UMD discs for games and movies and offered multimedia features such as music playback and video viewing.
The PSP could also connect to PS2 and PS3 systems, and several games supported cross-platform features. It became home to many standout titles and remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles ever released.
6. PlayStation 3 (PS3)
Release Date: November 17, 2006
The PlayStation 3 introduced major innovations, including:
- PlayStation Network (PSN) for online play and digital downloads
- Blu-ray disc support, making it a top-tier media device
- Backward compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games (early models)
The PS3 helped normalize online console gaming and digital storefronts, reshaping how players accessed content.
7. PlayStation 3 Slim
Release Date: September 1, 2009
The PS3 Slim reduced weight, size, and power consumption by over 33%. While it improved cooling and efficiency, it also marked a major change: backward compatibility was removed, a feature that never returned in later PS3 models.
8. PlayStation Vita
Release Date: February 22, 2012
The PlayStation Vita was Sony’s most ambitious handheld. At launch, it was the most advanced portable system available, featuring:
- Dual analog sticks
- Touchscreen and rear touch panel
- High-quality OLED display (early models)
Later, PS4 Remote Play allowed users to stream console games to the Vita within their homes, making it a powerful companion device.
9. PlayStation 3 Super Slim
Release Date: September 25, 2012
The final PS3 revision, the Super Slim, featured:
- A top-loading Blu-ray drive
- Improved power efficiency
- An even slimmer design
This version proved to be the most durable PS3 model, thanks largely to its simplified disc mechanism.
10. PlayStation 4 (PS4)
Release Date: November 15, 2013
The PlayStation 4 delivered a massive performance upgrade, offering hardware more than five times faster than the PS3.
Notable features included:
- A removable hard drive
- A redesigned DualShock 4 controller
- A generation-defining lineup of games such as Uncharted 4, God of War, and Ghost of Tsushima
The PS4 became one of the most successful consoles of all time.
11. PlayStation 4 Slim
Release Date: September 15, 2016
The PS4 Slim offered the same performance as the standard PS4 in a smaller, quieter, and more efficient design. While it didn’t boost graphics or frame rates, its compact form made it the preferred model for many players.
12. PlayStation 4 Pro
Release Date: November 10, 2016
The PS4 Pro introduced Sony’s first 4K gaming support, using upscaling technology alongside HDR. With double the GPU power of the standard PS4, it delivered higher frame rates and enhanced visuals for supported games.
13. PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Release Date: November 12, 2020
The PlayStation 5 became Sony’s most powerful console to date, supporting:
- Ray tracing
- Native 4K output
- 120FPS gameplay
The DualSense controller introduced adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and USB-C charging, creating a more immersive gaming experience. Despite its size, the PS5 redefined next-generation console performance.
14. PlayStation 5 Slim
Release Date: November 10, 2023
The PS5 Slim reduced the console’s size without significantly changing internal performance. Its standout feature is a modular disc drive, allowing players to buy a digital-only console and add a disc drive later if desired.
15. PlayStation 5 Pro
Release Date: November 7, 2024
The PlayStation 5 Pro is Sony’s latest mid-generation upgrade. Designed to push performance further, it focuses on:
- Higher frame rates
- Improved ray tracing
- Machine learning via PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR)
The PS5 Pro includes a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and Astro’s Playroom, launching at $699.99 USD. Like the PS5 Slim, it ships without a built-in disc drive.
Upcoming PlayStation Consoles
As of now, Sony has not officially announced the next generation of PlayStation hardware. Industry speculation suggests the PlayStation 6 could arrive sometime between 2026 and 2030, but no confirmed details or release dates exist yet.
From the original PlayStation in 1995 to the PS5 Pro today, Sony’s consoles have continually pushed gaming forward through innovation, performance upgrades, and unforgettable game libraries. With nearly three decades of history behind it—and more on the horizon—PlayStation remains one of the most important brands in gaming.
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PlayStation Consoles Comparison Table
| Console | Release Date | Type | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation (PS1) | Sept 9, 1995 | Home | First CD-based console, iconic 90s titles |
| PS One | Sept 19, 2000 | Home (Revision) | Smaller design, optional LCD screen |
| PlayStation 2 | Oct 26, 2000 | Home | Best-selling console ever, DVD playback |
| PlayStation 2 Slim | Nov 2004 | Home (Revision) | Smaller, top-loading disc drive |
| PlayStation Portable (PSP) | Mar 24, 2005 | Handheld | UMD media, multimedia features |
| PlayStation 3 | Nov 17, 2006 | Home | Blu-ray, PSN, backward compatibility |
| PlayStation 3 Slim | Sept 1, 2009 | Home (Revision) | Smaller, more efficient, no BC |
| PlayStation Vita | Feb 22, 2012 | Handheld | OLED display, Remote Play |
| PlayStation 3 Super Slim | Sept 25, 2012 | Home (Revision) | Top-loading Blu-ray, durable design |
| PlayStation 4 | Nov 15, 2013 | Home | Major performance jump, removable HDD |
| PlayStation 4 Slim | Sept 15, 2016 | Home (Revision) | Smaller, quieter, same performance |
| PlayStation 4 Pro | Nov 10, 2016 | Home (Mid-gen) | 4K upscaling, HDR |
| PlayStation 5 | Nov 12, 2020 | Home | Ray tracing, DualSense controller |
| PlayStation 5 Slim | Nov 10, 2023 | Home (Revision) | Smaller, modular disc drive |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | Nov 7, 2024 | Home (Mid-gen) | PSSR upscaling, higher frame rates |
Frequently Asked Questions About PlayStation Consoles
Which PlayStation console sold the most units?
The PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console of all time, with over 155 million units sold worldwide.
How many PlayStation consoles are there in total?
Including revisions and handhelds, Sony has released 14 PlayStation consoles as of 2025.
What was the first PlayStation console?
The original Sony PlayStation (PS1) launched in 1995 and introduced CD-based gaming to the mainstream.
Which PlayStation consoles are backward compatible?
- Early PlayStation 3 models supported PS1 and PS2 games
- All PlayStation consoles support PS1 discs in some form
- Modern consoles rely on digital re-releases and streaming
Is the PlayStation 5 Pro worth it?
The PS5 Pro is designed for players who want higher frame rates, better ray tracing, and improved image quality on 4K displays. It is best suited for performance-focused gamers.
