History of PlayStation in Timeline
PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of Sony. Its core offerings include home video game consoles, handheld devices, online services, and various media formats. As a flagship product, it has significantly impacted the gaming landscape.
June 1991: Sony revealed "Play Station" at Consumer Electronics Show
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony revealed "Play Station", a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive.
June 1992: Sony decided to retain the PlayStation project
In June 1992, Sony President Ohga decided to retain the PlayStation project after a meeting where Kutaragi demonstrated a proprietary CD-ROM-based system with 3D graphics.
November 16, 1993: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) was formed
On November 16, 1993, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) was formed by Kutaragi, Maruyama, and Sato.
1993: PlayStation project was given the green light by Sony executives
In 1993, the PlayStation project was approved by Sony executives, and Phil Harrison was recruited to attract developers to the new PlayStation platform.
December 3, 1994: Original PlayStation released in Japan
On December 3, 1994, the original PlayStation was released in Japan.
December 1994: PlayStation released in Japan
In December 1994, the PlayStation was released in Japanese stores and gained massive sales due to its lower price point compared to the Sega Saturn.
1994: Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) founded
In 1994, Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) was founded, with Sony Interactive Entertainment in New York as its parent company.
1994: PlayStation Control Pad Release
In 1994, the PlayStation control pad was released as the first controller for the original PlayStation, featuring a basic design with a D-pad, four main select buttons, and start/select buttons.
1994: First PlayStation home console released in Japan
In 1994, the first PlayStation home console was released in Japan, marking the beginning of the PlayStation brand.
1996: PlayStation Analog Joystick Release
In 1996, Sony released the PlayStation Analog Joystick for use with flight simulation games.
1997: Dual Analog Controller Release
In 1997, the original digital controller was replaced by the Dual Analog, which added two analog sticks based on the same potentiometer technology as the Analog Joystick.
1997: PlayStation Underground Magazine Publication
In Spring 1997, Sony Computer Entertainment America produced and published PlayStation Underground magazine, which included PlayStation CDs, booklets and colorful packaging.
1998: DualShock Controller Release
In 1998, the DualShock controller for the PlayStation was released, succeeding the Dual Analog. It featured two analog sticks and the L3 and R3 buttons.
January 23, 1999: PocketStation Release
On January 23, 1999, the PocketStation was released exclusively in Japan. It is a Memory Card peripheral by Sony Computer Entertainment for the original PlayStation and featured a monochrome LCD, a speaker, a real-time clock and infrared communication capability.
July 7, 2000: PS One released
On July 7, 2000, the PS One, a smaller, redesigned version of the original PlayStation, was released concurrently with the PlayStation 2.
2000: PSone LCD Screen Release
In 2000, an optional 5-inch LCD screen (SCPH-131) was released for the PSone (a redesigned version of the original PlayStation), featuring built-in speakers and a headphone jack, as well as featuring an AV input jack.
2000: PlayStation 2 released
In 2000, the PlayStation 2 was released.
2001: Phase Out of PlayStation Underground
In 2001, Sony decided to phase out PlayStation Underground to focus on the JamPacks with the release of the PlayStation 2.
2002: PlayStation 2 Linux Kit Release
In 2002, Sony released the first fully functioning operating system for a video game console. The kit turned the PlayStation 2 into a full-fledged computer system running Linux.
2002: PSone Combo Pack Release
In 2002, the 5-inch LCD screen (SCPH-131) was included as a pack-in bundle with the PSone called the "Combo Pack".
December 2003: PlayStation and PS one shipped a combined total of 102.49 million units
By December 2003, the original PlayStation and PS one had shipped a combined total of 102.49 million units.
December 2004: PlayStation Portable (PSP) Original Model Release
In December 2004, Sony's first handheld console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP-1000), was released in Japan, competing with Nintendo's DS console. The console utilizes the Universal Media Disc (UMD) and contains 32 MB of internal flash memory storage, expandable via Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.
2004: PlayStation 2 Slimline released
In 2004, the PlayStation 2 Slimline, a redesigned version of the PlayStation 2, was released.
March 2005: PlayStation Portable (PSP) Original Model Release
In March 2005, Sony's first handheld console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP-1000), was released, competing with Nintendo's DS console. The console utilizes the Universal Media Disc (UMD) and contains 32 MB of internal flash memory storage, expandable via Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.
November 29, 2005: PS2 reached 100 million units shipped
On November 29, 2005, the PS2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch.
2005: Industry Perspectives on PlayStation Brand
In 2005, The Age published an article featuring interviews where Jeffrey Brand said, "PlayStation re-ignited our imagination with video games", Yoshiki Okamoto called the brand "revolutionary", and Evan Wells said "PlayStation is responsible for making playing games cool."
July 2006: Advertising Campaign Controversy
In July 2006, an advertising campaign in the Netherlands, comparing the Ceramic White PSP and the Piano Black PSP, drew criticism for being racist.
November 11, 2006: PlayStation 3 (PS3) released in Japan
On November 11, 2006, the PlayStation 3 (PS3) was released in Japan.
November 2006: "All I want for Xmas is a PSP" Marketing Campaign
In November 2006, Sony's American division launched a viral marketing campaign titled "All I want for Xmas is a PSP", which was later exposed and admitted to be "poorly executed".
September 2007: PlayStation Portable 2000 Release
In September 2007, the PSP-2000, also known as the Slim & Lite in PAL territories, was released as the first major hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable. It was 33% lighter and 19% slimmer than the original model and featured a new gloss finish and USB charging.
2007: End of AJ Auxerre Sponsorship
In 2007, PlayStation's main kit sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre ended.
2007: Revision of the Slimline shipped
In 2007, Sony began shipping a revision of the Slimline which was lighter than the original Slimline together with a lighter AC adapter.
2008: Development on the PlayStation 4 began
Development on the PlayStation 4 began as early as 2008.
2008: PlayStation Portable 3000 Revision
In 2008, Sony released a second hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable called the PSP-3000, which included a built-in microphone, upgraded screen, and the ability to output PSP games in interlaced mode, features that were not present in the PSP-2000.
2008: Another revision of the Slimline released
In 2008, Sony released another revision of the Slimline with an overhauled internal design incorporating the power supply into the console.
June 2, 2009: PlayStation Move First Revealed
On June 2, 2009, PlayStation Move, a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3, was first revealed. It uses the PlayStation Eye webcam to track the wand's position and inertial sensors to detect motion.
September 1, 2009: PlayStation 3 "slim" model officially released in North America and Europe
On September 1, 2009, the redesigned PlayStation 3 "slim" model was officially released in North America and Europe. This model is smaller, lighter, consumes less power, and features a redesigned cooling system.
September 3, 2009: PlayStation 3 "slim" model officially released in Japan, Australia and New Zealand
On September 3, 2009, the redesigned PlayStation 3 "slim" model was officially released in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
October 2009: PSP Go Release
In October 2009, the PSP Go, a major redesign of the PlayStation Portable, was released. It lacks a UMD drive and instead features 16 GB of internal flash memory for storing games and media, which can be extended up to 32 GB with a Memory Stick Micro (M2) flash card. The handheld also features connectivity with the PlayStation 3's controllers the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 via Bluetooth connection.
2009: PlayStation Brand Listed on "The Vitrue 100"
In 2009, ViTrue, Inc. listed the PlayStation brand as number 13 on their "The Vitrue 100: Top Social Brands of 2009", based on social media presence.
2010: Gizmodo's Assessment of the PlayStation Brand
In 2010, Gizmodo stated that the PlayStation brand was one of the last Sony products to completely stand apart from its competitors.
2010: PlayStation 3 Firmware Update
In 2010, a firmware update removed the feature to install a second operating system on the PlayStation 3.
2010: PlayStation Move Launch
PlayStation Move was launched in Q3/Q4 2010. Hardware available at launch included the main PlayStation Move motion controller and an optional PlayStation Move sub-controller.
January 27, 2011: PlayStation Vita Unveiled
On January 27, 2011, Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation Vita (previously codenamed Next Generation Portable - NGP) at the PlayStation Meeting 2011.
December 17, 2011: PlayStation Vita Release in Japan
On December 17, 2011, the PlayStation Vita was released in Japan. It featured a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, two analog sticks, a rear touchpad, and Sixaxis motion sensing.
2011: Sony wanted to avoid launching the next-generation console behind the competition
In 2011, PlayStation Europe CEO Jim Ryan emphasized that Sony wanted to avoid launching the next-generation console behind the competition.
2011: PSP Street Announcement
In 2011, the PSP Street (PSP-E1000), a budget-focused PSP model, was announced at Gamescom. Unlike previous PSP models, it lacks Wi-Fi and stereo speakers, and features a matte "charcoal black" finish.
February 22, 2012: PlayStation Vita Release in North America
On February 22, 2012, the PlayStation Vita was released in North America. It featured a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, two analog sticks, a rear touchpad, and Sixaxis motion sensing.
April 2012: PlayStation Brand on Facebook
As of April 2012, the PlayStation brand was the most followed brand on Facebook, with over 22 million fans and followers.
December 28, 2012: PlayStation 2 shipments in Japan ended
On December 28, 2012, PlayStation 2 shipments in Japan ended.
2012: Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3
In 2012, Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3 model, featuring a redesigned case with a sliding door for the disc drive.
January 4, 2013: PS2 production ended worldwide
On January 4, 2013, The Guardian reported that PS2 production had ended worldwide.
February 20, 2013: PlayStation 4 (PS4) announced
On February 20, 2013, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the PlayStation 4 (PS4) at a press conference and revealed some hardware specifications.
September 2013: PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 Announced
In September 2013, the new PCH-2000 series PlayStation Vita was announced at the SCEJA Press Conference prior to the Tokyo Game Show. This model is a lighter redesign of the device that was announced.
October 10, 2013: PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 Release in Japan
On October 10, 2013, the redesigned PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 series system was released in Japan. It is thinner and lighter than the original model, has an LCD instead of OLED, includes a micro USB Type B port, and 1 GB of internal storage memory.
November 15, 2013: PlayStation 4 was first released in North America
On November 15, 2013, the PlayStation 4 was first released in North America.
November 2013: PlayStation 3 sold over 80 million consoles worldwide
As of November 2013, the PlayStation 3 had sold over 80 million consoles worldwide.
May 6, 2014: PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 Release in North America
On May 6, 2014, the redesigned PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 series system was released in North America. It is thinner and lighter than the original model, has an LCD instead of OLED, includes a micro USB Type B port, and 1 GB of internal storage memory.
July 2014: PlayStation Unit Sales Milestone
In July 2014, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita had sold a combined total of 100 million units.
2015: Strongest Selling Console Brand
As of 2015, PlayStation was the strongest selling console brand worldwide.
2015: PlayStation 2 ranked as the best selling console of all time
As of 2015, the PlayStation 2 has been ranked as the best-selling console of all time.
2015: PlayStation Gear launch
In 2015, Sony launched PlayStation Gear, an online store for merchandise and apparel.
September 7, 2016: PlayStation 4 Slim Unveiled
On September 7, 2016, the PlayStation 4 Slim, a revision of the original PS4 hardware, was unveiled. It features a 40% smaller, streamlined form factor with a rounded body and matte finish, along with a minor update to the DualShock 4 controller.
September 15, 2016: PlayStation 4 Slim Released
On September 15, 2016, the PlayStation 4 Slim was released with a 500 GB model at the same price as the original PS4 model.
March 2019: PlayStation Vita Discontinued
In March 2019, the PlayStation Vita was discontinued, marking Sony's exit from the portable console market.
March 31, 2019: Next-Generation Hardware Development Affirmed
Sony's financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2019, confirmed that new next-generation hardware was in development, with a release planned no earlier than April 2020.
April 2019: First News of PlayStation 5
In April 2019, Mark Cerny provided the first news about the PlayStation 5 in an interview with Wired.
October 2019: PlayStation 5 Specifications Released
In October 2019, the current specifications for the upcoming PlayStation 5 were released, detailing the use of an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on AMD's Zen 2 microarchitecture and a custom AMD Navi family GPU with ray-tracing support, along with a custom SSD storage solution.
December 2019: PlayStation Network has over 103 million active users monthly
As of December 2019, the PlayStation Network had over 103 million active users monthly.
November 12, 2020: PlayStation 5 Worldwide Release
On November 12, 2020, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released worldwide, marking the ninth generation of video game consoles.
2020: PlayStation 5 released
In 2020, the PlayStation 5 was released as the most recent console in the PlayStation series.
2022: End of Fiesta Bowl Sponsorship
In 2022, PlayStation's sponsorship of the Fiesta Bowl ended.
August 23, 2023: PlayStation Portal Unveiled
On August 23, 2023, Sony officially unveiled the new portable system, previously known as Project Q, as the PlayStation Portal.
October 2023: PlayStation 5 Slim Released
In October 2023, a revised slimmer design for the PlayStation 5, similar to past "slim" rereleases, was released. This model features 1 TB of internal storage and replaces one of the USB-A ports with USB-C.
November 15, 2023: PlayStation Portal Released
On November 15, 2023, the PlayStation Portal was released for $199.99. This new portable system allows users to stream PS5 games from a home console.
November 2024: PlayStation 5 Pro Released
In November 2024, the PlayStation 5 Pro was released. It features three main upgrades over the base PS5 model: a GPU that was about 45% faster than the base PS5 GPU, the inclusion of an image upscaling technology called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), and an increase of internal storage to 2 TB.
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