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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSony’s PlayStation family has five main home-console generations: PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PS4, and PS5. The major handhelds are PSP and PS Vita. Each generation also had hardware redesigns, but those are versions of the same system rather than new generations. This guide lists the main systems chronologically and notes the launch dates, distinguishing features, and major redesigns Sony documents.
What are all the PlayStation consoles?
The chronological list below covers the major PlayStation home consoles and handhelds. It is a family-level guide, not an inventory of every regional model number, limited edition, or bundle.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics - PlayStation PS4 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Uncharted Collection PlayStation Hits (PS4) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection (Playstation Hits) (PS4) | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The PlayStation Fullsetter V2: Collection Manager | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
PlayStation 4 | $174.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| System | Type | First launch | Notable variants or features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | Home console | Japan, December 3, 1994 | PS one redesign (2000); PlayStation Classic miniature edition (2018) |
| PlayStation 2 | Home console | Japan, March 4, 2000 | Slim redesign (late 2004); later Super Slim version |
| PlayStation Portable (PSP) | Handheld | Not stated on Sony’s cited history page | Portable gaming, movie playback, and MP3 music playback |
| PlayStation 3 | Home console | Japan, November 11, 2006 | Slim and Super Slim redesigns; Blu-ray games and online services |
| PlayStation Vita | Handheld | Japan, December 17, 2011 | Game cards, touchscreen, rear touchpad, and supported Remote Play |
| PlayStation 4 | Home console | North America, November 15, 2013 | Base, Slim, and Pro models |
| PlayStation 5 | Home console | Global release, November 12, 2020 | Disc-drive and digital-only launch editions; slimmer model group followed in 2023; PS5 Pro is also part of Sony’s product range |
What order did the PlayStation consoles come out?
The main home-console sequence is PlayStation, PS2, PS3, PS4, and PS5. PSP and PS Vita are handheld systems in the same family; they are listed alongside the home consoles here rather than treated as home-console generations.
PlayStation (1994)
Sony launched its first PlayStation in Japan on December 3, 1994, followed by North America on September 9, 1995, and Europe on September 29, 1995. Sony credits the system with helping move home games from traditional 2D experiences toward more complex, real-time 3D worlds. The company reports over 102 million consoles sold worldwide from 1994 to 2006. Later forms included the smaller, lighter PS one in 2000 and the miniature PlayStation Classic in 2018, which came with preloaded games. Sony’s PlayStation history.
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PlayStation 2 (2000)
PS2 launched in Japan on March 4, 2000, North America on October 26, and Europe on November 24. Sony describes it as a major DVD gaming generation and reports over 160 million consoles sold worldwide since 2000. The family later gained a slimmer redesign in late 2004 and a Super Slim version. Sony’s PS2 history.
PlayStation Portable (PSP)
PSP brought PlayStation gaming to a handheld system. Sony also highlights movie playback and MP3 music playback as part of its capabilities. The cited history page does not state a launch date, so none is listed here. Sony’s PlayStation history.
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PlayStation 3 (2006)
PS3 launched in Japan on November 11, 2006, North America on November 17, 2006, and Europe on March 23, 2007. Sony highlights Blu-ray games and online services; the family also included Slim and Super Slim redesigns. Sony’s PS3 history.
PlayStation Vita (2011)
PS Vita launched in Japan on December 17, 2011, then in North America and Europe on February 22, 2012. It used game cards and featured a touchscreen and rear touchpad. Sony also documented Remote Play with supported PS4 games and selected PS3 titles over Wi-Fi. Sony’s PS Vita history.
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- New Trophies - Brand-new trophies created exclusively for Uncharted's debut on the PS4 system. Photo Mode - Freeze gameplay at any time and take control of the camera to capture your most memorable moments from the trilogy to share with friends directly from your PS4 system. Utilize graphical filters, camera controls, and other options to customize your shot
- Uncharted 4 A Thief's End Multiplayer Beta - purchasers of Uncharted The Nathan Drake Collection will receive exclusive access to Uncharted 4 A Thief's End multiplayer Beta while the Beta is available (a UK/EU PSN account may be required)
PlayStation 4 (2013)
PS4 launched in North America on November 15, 2013, Europe on November 29, 2013, and Japan on February 22, 2014. Sony identifies base, Slim, and Pro models, and reports over 117 million consoles sold worldwide. Its history page highlights social play and sharing as part of the generation’s design. Sony’s PS4 history.
PlayStation 5 (2020)
Sony gives PS5 a global release date of November 12, 2020. The launch lineup included a console with a disc drive and a digital-only edition. A slimmer model group followed in 2023, including a digital version with an optional attachable disc drive. Sony also references PS5 Pro in its 30th anniversary product range. Sony’s PS5 history.
Which PlayStation systems are handheld?
The major dedicated handhelds in Sony’s PlayStation family are PSP and PS Vita. PSP combined portable gaming with movie and MP3 playback, while PS Vita added a touchscreen, rear touchpad, game-card format, and Remote Play for supported games. Remote Play is not the same as a standalone handheld version of every PS4 or PS3 game: Sony’s description specifies supported PS4 games and selected PS3 titles over Wi-Fi.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are redesigns separate PlayStation consoles?
Usually, no. A Slim or Pro designation identifies a notable hardware form within a generation, not a new numbered generation. For example, PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro remain PS4 models; PS3 Slim and Super Slim remain PS3 models. The same principle applies to the PS one redesign within the original PlayStation family and PS2’s later slimmer forms. PlayStation Classic is a miniature edition of the original system, not a successor generation.
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- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
- With PS Vita, gamers will be able to seamlessly play PS4 games on the beautiful 5-inch display over Wi-Fi in a local environment
What should you know about the sales figures?
Sony publishes historical totals for the original PlayStation, PS2, and PS4, but the figures use different date ranges or wording and should not be read as one same-cutoff comparison.
- Original PlayStation: over 102 million consoles worldwide from 1994 to 2006, according to Sony’s history page.
- PS2: over 160 million consoles sold worldwide since 2000, according to Sony’s history page.
- PS4: over 117 million consoles worldwide, as described on Sony’s history page.
These are Sony-published figures; the cited pages do not state a separate publication year for the totals. Original PlayStation, PS2, and PS4.
Can you still buy games for PS3 and PS Vita?
PlayStation’s support notice says that, in the region covered by that notice, purchases on the PS3 and PS Vita Stores are scheduled to end starting July 2027. After that date, new purchases on those devices will no longer be available there. Previously acquired content remains playable, subject to the game’s online features and continued service availability. Check PlayStation’s current support notice for the applicable region and any updated timing or scope.
Quick Recap
How to read the PlayStation lineup
- For the main home-console generations, follow the numbered sequence from PlayStation through PS5.
- For Sony’s handheld branch, include PSP and PS Vita.
- Count Slim, Super Slim, and Pro models as versions within their parent generation rather than separate generations.
- Launch dates can differ by region; Sony’s timeline gives a global release date for PS5, while earlier systems listed here had staggered regional launches.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
