As someone who has been around gaming consoles since the days of Atari and NES, I must say that the journey of PlayStation handhelds has always been fascinating to me. The PSP GO, with its digital-only approach, was indeed ahead of its time, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite catch on as it should have. It was a bit like trying to teach a cat to play chess – interesting, but ultimately not very practical!
Over nearly three decades, I’ve watched Sony carve out a unique space for their PlayStation brand in the vast gaming terrain. From the moment the PS1 was unveiled and swiftly claimed its place in the industry, the manufacturer has been consistently delivering (mostly) winning consoles that strive to balance usability, advancement, and performance. Just take a look at the rumored PS5 Pro – whenever Sony announces a new PlayStation console, it sparks debates, whether they’re filled with praise or criticism.
Currently, discussions are centered on Sony’s future plans. However, it’s equally interesting to delve into the company’s history, focusing particularly on the release dates and prices of its products. Notably, the PS5 Pro stands out, but remember, Sony isn’t shy about surprising us with unexpected reveals when it comes to console launches.
We’ll only consider the primary models of PlayStation consoles for this discussion, excluding devices such as PS VR or PlayStation Portable. Furthermore, our analysis will be centered around North America, and we won’t account for inflation when discussing the prices.
PlayStation
September 9, 1995
- Japanese Release Date: December 3, 1994
- Launch Price (NA): $299
- Discontinued (NA): March 23, 2006
The original PlayStation by Sony, their first foray into consoles, remains one of their most recognized devices, despite not achieving the same level of success as some of its subsequent models. While it served as Sony’s primary platform for a relatively brief period compared to other PlayStation home consoles, it played a pivotal role in establishing Sony as a significant player in the gaming industry, positioning itself directly against Nintendo and Sega.
PS One
September 19, 2000
- Japanese Release Date: July 7, 2000
- Launch Price (NA): $99
- Discontinued (NA): March 23, 2006
Towards the end of the PlayStation 1’s lifespan and following the introduction of the PS2 in Japan, the PS One was marketed as a budget-friendly console with some portable features. For additional cost, players could purchase an LCD screen to connect with the system. Despite not being one of the most celebrated or nostalgically remembered PlayStation consoles, the PS One served as a precursor to future Slim models that eventually became standard.
PlayStation 2
October 26, 2000
- Japanese Release Date: March 4, 2000
- Launch Price (NA): $299
- Discontinued (NA): January 4, 2013
The PlayStation 2, following the success of the PS1, stood out as the dominant console of its era, and it’s reasonable to say that it may be Sony’s pinnacle in gaming. Not only did it provide a substantial power upgrade over its forerunner, but it also functioned as a DVD player, making it superior to the Nintendo GameCube. Its vast collection of timeless classics has solidified its status as an excellent console, then and now.
PlayStation 2 Slimeline
November 3, 2004
- European Release Date: October 29, 2004
- Launch Price (NA): $149
- Discontinued (NA): January 4, 2013
Kicking off Sony’s lineup of consoles mid-generation, the PS2 Slim was notably less expensive and boasted a few improvements such as an Ethernet port. However, it had its share of problems that affected game compatibility and overall dependability. Despite being a good choice at the time, the original PlayStation 2 is the superior console in terms of overall performance, and it’s the one to consider if you’re looking to expand your retro collection.
PlayStation 3
November 17, 2006
- Japanese Release Date: November 11, 2006
- Storage Sizes: 20/40/60/80/160 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $499 (20 GB)/$599 (60 GB)
- Discontinued (NA): October 2016 (Specific Date Not Available)
Following two generations dominated largely by home runs, Sony arguably experienced its first significant misstep with the unveiling of the PlayStation 3. Pricier than average and offering a modest selection of launch games, the PlayStation 3 struggled initially, with its performance seemingly stagnant for years until around 2010 when it started gaining momentum. This generation was also marked by a distinctive internal structure that made game development challenging, and even today, PS3 games must be streamed rather than downloaded on PS Plus. Despite these early setbacks, the PS3 eventually managed to regain its footing.
PlayStation 3 Slim
September 1, 2009
- Japanese Release Date: August 27, 2009
- Storage Sizes: 120/160/250/320 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $299 (120 GB)
- Discontinued: October 2016 (Specific Date Not Available)
It’s widely agreed that the PS3 started to regain popularity with the introduction of the Slim version. This model was more affordable and had a sleeker, lighter design compared to its predecessor. Although not every change was for the better (Sony temporarily removed backward compatibility around this time), the PS3 Slim was still a significant improvement over the earlier model, and it stood out as one of the top media options available at that point.
PlayStation 3 Super Slim
September 25, 2012
- Storage Sizes: 12/250/500 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $269 (250 GB)
- Discontinued: October 2016 (Specific Date Not Available)
Sony didn’t replicate the move again, but the PS3 saw another Slim model, followed by the Super Slim model that launched almost a year before the release of the PS4. The Super Slim was an improvement on its predecessor, leveraging its strengths despite the somewhat divisive disc loader. The original version came with 250 GB storage, but there was also a 12 GB variant for users who primarily used discs or chose to add an HDD.
PlayStation 4
November 15, 2013
- Storage Sizes : 500 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $349
- Discontinued (NA): Not Yet
As a gamer looking back, the PS3 era was quite the rollercoaster ride. But when Sony unveiled the PlayStation 4, they played it safe yet smart. They launched it at a competitive price point and equipped it with a traditional architecture that made it easier for third-party developers to adapt their projects without much hassle. The PS4 was an instant success, swiftly taking over the gaming generation, leaving the Xbox One in its dust. Even after more than a decade since its debut, this console is still going strong, continuously getting new games added to its library.
PlayStation 4 Slim
September 15, 2016
- Storage Sizes : 500 GB Or 1 TB
- Launch Price (NA): $299 (500 GB)/$349 (1 TB)
- Discontinued (NA): Not Yet
Indeed, the PS4 Slim faithfully lives up to its name by being essentially a compact version of the original console. It also includes some improvements to keep pace with technological advancements such as USBs and Bluetooth. Notably, significant changes were made in April 2017, when the 1 TB PS4 Slim became standard, providing a considerable storage increase at a reasonable cost.
PlayStation 4 Pro
November 10, 2016
- Storage Sizes: 1 TB
- Launch Price (NA): $399
- Discontinued (NA): Not Yet
Compared to the Slim model, the PS4 Pro marked Sony’s initial endeavor to deliver a significant mid-generation upgrade, an approach they have since replicated with the PS5. Although it wasn’t a revolutionary jump, the Pro version boasted a more powerful CPU and GPU capable of some 4K resolution output, and it excelled particularly in running PS VR games. In reality, the ability to run these virtual reality games effectively might have been the primary factor behind the development of the PS4 Pro.
PlayStation 5
November 12, 2020
- Storage Sizes: 825 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $499.99
- Discontinued (NA): October/November 2023
In this generation, Sony debuted the PlayStation 5 as a dominant force (since Nintendo operates independently), leveraging its strong foundation. This strength was evident in the console’s initial price. Although it was a potent system for 2020, it supported only limited 4K and 60fps capabilities. The console also featured the DualSense controller, widely regarded as Sony’s best. By late 2023, the original PlayStation 5 was phased out and replaced by a Slim version.
PlayStation 5 Digital
November 12, 2020
- Storage Sizes: 825 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $399.99
- Discontinued (NA): October/November 2023
Sony made a decision in line with the growing trend of digital purchases, offering a PS5 Digital model for those who preferred not to buy discs. However, in 2020, this option didn’t seem very appealing due to the less-than-favorable reputation of PlayStation Now. But, Sony improved the subscription service and it’s now known as PS Plus. Still, the original Digital Edition was a commitment because you couldn’t buy a disc drive separately if you changed your mind later. Just like the regular PS5, this model was phased out in 2023, replaced by the Slim Digital Edition.
PlayStation 5 Slim
November 10, 2023
- Storage Sizes: 1 TB
- Launch Price (NA): $499
- Discontinued (NA): Current Main Console
The PS5 Slim truly justifies its well-known nickname; it’s essentially the PS5, but compact. Although this might seem like a minor adjustment, the original model is known for being quite large, making the Slim much more manageable. Additionally, it boasts a larger SSD and offers more ports compared to the standard version.
PlayStation 5 Slim Digital
November 10, 2023
- Storage Sizes: 1 TB
- Launch Price (NA): $449.99
- Discontinued (NA): Current Main Console
Just like its forerunner, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition feels familiar, but it’s got a sleeker design and takes up less space in my game room. The best part? It comes with an option to attach a disc drive, so I can enjoy both digital and physical games without any commitment!
PlayStation 5 Pro
November 7, 2024
- Storage Sizes: 2 TB
- Launch Price (NA): $699
- Discontinued (NA): Still To Come
Despite it being widely expected, Sony’s unveiling of the PlayStation 5 Pro was nonetheless unexpectedly stirring, provoking a strong reaction. The price point sparked the most debate, particularly since the base price of $699 (excluding tax) doesn’t cover essentials like a disc drive or a vertical stand. Disregarding the latter, this extra cost adds an additional $100. Notably, the PS5 Pro is also pricier in other regions such as the EU and UK.
Apart from its enhancements, the upgraded PS5 model boasts a more powerful GPU. This GPU includes 67% additional Compute Units and memory that runs 28% faster compared to the standard version. This advanced hardware is geared towards superior Ray Tracing capabilities, AI upscaling, and providing a 2 TB SSD. Notably, the PS5 Pro’s Game Boost system has been specifically designed to optimize the performance of PS4 games.
PlayStation Portable
March 24, 2005
- Japanese Release Date: December 11, 2004
- Launch Price (NA): $249.99
- Discontinued (NA): 2014
As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the groundbreaking impact of Sony’s first foray into portable gaming – the PlayStation Portable (PSP). This handheld console was my ticket to an immersive, on-the-go gaming experience that, at first glance, appeared poised to challenge Nintendo’s reign in this domain. Although it didn’t quite dethrone Nintendo, the PSP left a lasting impression with its impressive 3D capabilities, extensive game library, and strong following in Japan. Its legacy remains respectable to this day.
The PSP received three models: PSP-1000, PSP-2000, and PSP-3000.
PSP GO
October 1, 2009
- Storage Sizes: 16 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $249.99
- Discontinued (2011): April 20, 2011
In numerous aspects, the PSP GO was quite visionary for its era. Launching as a digital-only console in 2009 may have seemed unexpected, considering the PS Store’s existence prior to this time. The system boasted 16 GB of memory at launch, which was generally sufficient for PSP games. However, this specific model didn’t fare too well and had a limited lifespan.
PSP Street
October 26, 2011
- Launch Price (EU): €99
- Discontinued (EU): 2014
The PlayStation Portable Street model, arguably the least known among PlayStation consoles, did not get a launch in North America. This device was apparently designed to be the most affordable option conceivable, lacking Wi-Fi functionality and seemingly engineered as the exact opposite of the PSP Go.
PlayStation Vita
February 15, 2012
- Japanese Release Date: December 17, 2011
- Launch Price (NA): $249.99
- Discontinued (NA): March 1, 2019
Given the triumph of the PSP, the PlayStation Vita appeared primed for success, considering it was undoubtedly the most advanced portable gaming system available at that time. Its dual joysticks were a significant upgrade compared to the PSP, and overall, the console was quite impressive. Regrettably, the PS Vita failed to fully exploit its potential and soon became a secondary concern, eventually receiving only a handful of exclusives.
Just like the original PlayStation Portable (PSP), the PlayStation Vita was also updated with a lighter version, known as the PCH-2000, during its lifetime. This revised model not only weighed less but also came equipped with 1 GB of internal storage.
PlayStation TV
October 14, 2014
- Japanese Release Date: November 14, 2013
- Storage Sizes: 1 GB
- Launch Price (NA): $99
- Discontinued (NA): 2015
Despite not being a blockbuster success, the PlayStation TV was a noteworthy piece of technology that unfortunately failed to gain traction beyond Japan. This console was designed to play a limited selection of PlayStation Vita games on a television, an innovative idea. Regrettably, there wasn’t a significant market for this type of release. However, it could be argued that the PlayStation Vita and PS TV laid the groundwork for the hybrid concept seen in the Nintendo Switch.
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2024-09-11 15:24