History of PlayStation in Timeline
PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of Sony. It encompasses home video game consoles, handheld devices, online services, magazines, and various media forms. As Sony's flagship gaming brand, PlayStation has been a key player in the video game industry since its introduction, known for its innovative technology and contribution to the entertainment landscape.
June 1991: Sony Reveals "Play Station" at CES
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony revealed the "Play Station", a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive.
June 1992: Fate of PlayStation Project Decided
In June 1992, a meeting was held to decide the fate of the PlayStation project, where Kutaragi unveiled a proprietary CD-ROM-based system with 3D graphics.
November 16, 1993: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) Formed
On November 16, 1993, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) was formed by Kutaragi, Maruyama, and Sato.
1993: PlayStation Project Given Green Light
In 1993, the PlayStation project was given the green light by Sony executives. Also in 1993, Phil Harrison was recruited into SCEI.
December 3, 1994: Original PlayStation Released in Japan
On December 3, 1994, the original PlayStation was released in Japan, marking the start of the PlayStation console series.
December 1994: PlayStation Hits Japanese Stores
In December 1994, the PlayStation hit Japanese stores and gained massive sales due to its lower price point.
1994: Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) Founded
In 1994, Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) was founded, with Olaf Olafsson as CEO and president.
1994: PlayStation Control Pad Release
In 1994, the PlayStation control pad was released as the first controller for the original PlayStation.
1994: First PlayStation 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: PlayStation Underground Launch
In 1997, Sony Computer Entertainment America launched PlayStation Underground, a non-traditional magazine distributed quarterly to subscribers. It included two PlayStation CDs, a booklet, and unique packaging, containing game demos, interviews, and more.
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.
1998: DualShock Controller Release
In 1998, Sony released the DualShock controller for the PlayStation, succeeding the Dual Analog and establishing itself as the longest running series of controllers for the PlayStation brand.
January 23, 1999: PocketStation Release in Japan
On January 23, 1999, the PocketStation was released exclusively in Japan.
1999: PlayStation Sponsors AJ Auxerre
In 1999, PlayStation became the main kit sponsor of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre.
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: Optional LCD Screen Release for PSone
In 2000, Sony released an optional 5-inch LCD screen (SCPH-131) for the PSone (a redesigned version of the original PlayStation).
2000: PlayStation 2 Released
In 2000, the PlayStation 2 was released, becoming part of the sixth generation of video game consoles.
2000: Incorrect Date
The source text incorrectly contains the year 2000 in the information about the PS4 Slim, so I am including this entry to show that I recognize that it doesn't make sense in context.
2001: PlayStation Underground Phase Out
In 2001, Sony decided to phase out PlayStation Underground to concentrate on the JamPacks series with the release of the PlayStation 2.
August 2002: PlayStation 2 Online Service Launch in North America
In August 2002, the PlayStation 2 online service was released in North America, expanding the availability of online gaming to North American users.
2002: Linux Kit for PlayStation 2 Release
In 2002, Sony released the Linux Kit for the PlayStation 2, providing a fully functioning operating system and turning the console into a computer system.
2002: PSone 'Combo Pack' Release
In 2002, Sony released the PSone "Combo Pack", which included the previously released 5-inch LCD screen.
June 2003: PlayStation 2 Online Service Launch in Europe
In June 2003, the PlayStation 2 online service was released in Europe, making online gaming available for PlayStation users across Europe.
December 2003: PlayStation and PS one Ship 102.49 Million Units
By December 2003, the PlayStation and PS one had shipped a combined total of 102.49 million units.
2004: PS2 Slimline
In 2004, a slimmer version of the PlayStation 2 was released.
2004: PlayStation 2 Slimline Released
In 2004, the PlayStation 2 Slimline, the first major redesign of the PlayStation 2, was released.
November 29, 2005: PS2 Reaches 100 Million Units Shipped
On November 29, 2005, the PS2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, within 5 years and 9 months from its launch.
2005: The Age Article on PlayStation Brand
In 2005, The Age published an article featuring industry interviews, with Jeffrey Brand noting that "PlayStation re-ignited our imagination with video games."
July 2006: Netherlands PSP Ad Campaign Controversy
In July 2006, an advertising campaign in the Netherlands used a white model and a black model to compare the Ceramic White PSP and the Piano Black PSP, drawing criticism for being racist.
November 2006: "All I want for Xmas is a PSP" Viral Marketing Campaign
In November 2006, Sony's marketing company launched the "All I want for Xmas is a PSP" website, designed to promote the PSP virally, but was exposed and criticized for its poor execution.
2006: PlayStation Network Launch
In 2006, Sony launched the PlayStation Network, an online service for multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery, initially for the PlayStation 3.
June 11, 2007: PlayStation Blog Launch
On June 11, 2007, the PlayStation Blog was launched as an online PlayStation-focused gaming blog, part of the PlayStation Network.
September 2007: Release of PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite)
In September 2007, Sony released the PSP-2000, also known as the Slim & Lite in PAL territories, which was the first major hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable.
2007: End of AJ Auxerre Sponsorship
In 2007, PlayStation's sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre ended.
2007: Revision of the Slimline PS2 Shipped
In 2007, Sony began shipping a revision of the Slimline PS2 which was lighter than the original Slimline together with a lighter AC adapter.
2007: PS2 Slimline
In 2007, a slimmer version of the PlayStation 2 was released.
December 11, 2008: PlayStation Home Open Beta Launch
On December 11, 2008, PlayStation Home began its open public beta test, offering PlayStation 3 users a social gaming networking service.
2008: Development on PlayStation 4 Begins
Development on the PlayStation 4 began as early as 2008, according to lead system architect, Mark Cerny.
2008: Release of PSP-3000
In 2008, Sony released a second hardware revision of the PSP called the PSP-3000, which included several features that were not present in the PSP-2000, such as a built-in microphone and upgraded screen, as well as the ability to output PSP games in interlaced mode.
2008: Another Revision of the Slimline PS2 Released
In 2008, Sony released another revision of the Slimline PS2 which had an overhauled internal design incorporating the power supply into the console itself.
May 28, 2009: PlayStation Blog Europe Launch
On May 28, 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe launched PlayStation Blog Europe to replace the site Three Speech.
June 2, 2009: PlayStation Move Revealed
On June 2, 2009, PlayStation Move was first revealed.
September 1, 2009: PlayStation 3 Slim Released in North America and Europe
On September 1, 2009, the redesigned "slim" model of the PlayStation 3 was officially released in North America and Europe.
September 3, 2009: PlayStation 3 Slim Released in Japan, Australia and New Zealand
On September 3, 2009, the redesigned "slim" model of the PlayStation 3 was officially released in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
September 24, 2009: PlayStation Store Downloads Milestone
As of September 24, 2009, the PlayStation Store had surpassed 600 million downloads worldwide, indicating its growing popularity.
October 2009: PSP Go Release
In October 2009, the PSP Go was released, featuring a redesign with no UMD drive and 16 GB of internal flash memory.
2009: PlayStation Sponsors Olympique Lyonnais
In 2009, PlayStation became the main kit sponsor of Olympique Lyonnais, a French Ligue 1 club.
2009: PlayStation Ranked Among Top Social Brands
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 aspects.
February 2010: PlayStation Store Video Content Expansion
Beginning in February 2010, video content such as films and television shows became available on the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3 and PSP, as well as on select Sony BRAVIA televisions, VAIO laptops, and Sony Blu-ray Disc players.
March 17, 2010: PlayStation Blog Share Launch
On March 17, 2010, PlayStation Blog Share was launched as a sub-site, allowing readers to submit and vote on ideas for the PlayStation team.
April 15, 2010: Room Development Halted
On April 15, 2010, Sony halted the development of "Room" for the PSP, a service similar to PlayStation Home, due to negative community feedback.
April 2010: "Room" Beta Test Ends
In April 2010, the beta test of "Room" ended in Japan.
2010: Gizmodo Praises PlayStation Brand
In 2010, Gizmodo noted the PlayStation brand as one of Sony's standout products, recognized by the average person.
2010: End of Olympique Lyonnais Sponsorship
In 2010, PlayStation's sponsorship of Olympique Lyonnais ended.
2010: Removal of Second OS Installation Feature
In 2010, Sony removed the feature to install a second operating system, like Linux, on the PlayStation 3 via a firmware update.
2010: Sony BRAVIA KDL22PX300 Release
In 2010, the Sony BRAVIA KDL22PX300, a 22-inch 720p television incorporating a PlayStation 2 console, was released.
January 11, 2011: PlayStation App Release
On January 11, 2011, the PlayStation App was released in several European countries for iOS and Android, allowing users to view trophies and see online friends.
January 27, 2011: PlayStation Vita Unveiled
On January 27, 2011, Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation Vita at the PlayStation Meeting 2011.
December 17, 2011: PlayStation Vita Release in Japan
On December 17, 2011, the PlayStation Vita was released in Japan, previously codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP).
2011: Sony Wanted to Avoid Launching Next-Gen 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: Sony Tablets Releases
In 2011, Sony Tablets (PlayStation Certified Android tablets) were released.
2011: PlayStation Mobile Framework Announced
In 2011, Sony announced the PlayStation Mobile, a software framework to deliver downloadable PlayStation content to Android 2.3+ devices and the PlayStation Vita.
2011: PlayStation 3D Display Release
In late 2011, Sony released a 24-inch 1080p PlayStation-branded 3D television, officially called the PlayStation 3D Display.
February 22, 2012: PlayStation Vita Release in North America
On February 22, 2012, the PlayStation Vita was released in North America, previously codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP).
April 2012: PlayStation is "most followed" Brand on Facebook
As of April 2012, the PlayStation brand was the "most followed" brand on Facebook, with over 22 million fans and followers.
October 24, 2012: End of Life with PlayStation Project
As of PlayStation 3 system software update version 4.30, on October 24, 2012, the Life With PlayStation project, which included the Folding@home application, has ended.
December 28, 2012: PlayStation 2 Shipments End in Japan
PlayStation 2 shipments in Japan ended on December 28, 2012.
2012: Sony Tablets Releases
In 2012, Sony Tablets (PlayStation Certified Android tablets) were released.
2012: Sony Reveals "Super Slim" PlayStation 3
In 2012, Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3 with a completely redesigned case.
January 4, 2013: PS2 Production Ends Worldwide
On January 4, 2013, The Guardian reported that PS2 production had ended worldwide.
February 20, 2013: PlayStation 4 Announced
On February 20, 2013, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the PlayStation 4 (PS4) at a press conference.
September 2013: Announcement of PCH-2000 Series
In September 2013, prior to the Tokyo Game Show, the new PCH-2000 series system was announced at the SCEJA Press Conference.
October 10, 2013: Release of new PCH-2000 series in Japan
On October 10, 2013, the new PCH-2000 series system was released in Japan.
November 14, 2013: PlayStation TV Japan Release
On November 14, 2013, the PlayStation TV was released in Japan. The microconsole allows users to play compatible Vita, PSP, and PlayStation titles on their TVs.
November 2013: PlayStation 3 Sales Reach 80 Million
As of November 2013, the PlayStation 3 had sold over 80 million consoles worldwide.
2013: Sony Tablets Releases
In 2013, Sony Tablets (PlayStation Certified Android tablets) were released.
January 7, 2014: PlayStation Now Announcement
On January 7, 2014, PlayStation Now, a Gaikai-based video game streaming service, was announced at the 2014 Consumer Electronic Show.
March 2, 2014: PlayStation App Installations Milestone
As of March 2, 2014, the PlayStation App had been installed more than 3.6 million times.
May 6, 2014: Release of new PCH-2000 series in North America
On May 6, 2014, the new PCH-2000 series system was released in North America.
July 2014: 100 Million PlayStation Units Sold
In July 2014, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita had collectively sold 100 million units.
July 31, 2014: PlayStation Now Open Beta Launch (PS4)
On July 31, 2014, PlayStation Now launched in Open Beta in the United States and Canada for PS4 users, allowing them to stream PlayStation 3 titles.
September 18, 2014: PlayStation Now Open Beta Launch (PS3)
On September 18, 2014, PlayStation Now launched in Open Beta on PS3 in the US and Canada, expanding the availability of the streaming service.
October 14, 2014: PlayStation TV North America Release
On October 14, 2014, the PlayStation TV was released in North America, expanding the availability of the microconsole which allows streaming and gaming on TVs.
November 14, 2014: PlayStation TV Europe and Australasia Release
On November 14, 2014, the PlayStation TV was released in Europe and Australasia, completing its global launch. The device enabled users to stream content and play games on their televisions.
2015: PlayStation - Strongest Selling Console Brand Worldwide
As of 2015, PlayStation is the strongest selling console brand worldwide.
2015: PlayStation Gear Launched
In 2015, Sony launched PlayStation Gear, an online store for merchandise and apparel.
2015: PlayStation 2 Ranked Best Selling Console of All Time
In 2015, the PlayStation 2 has been ranked as the best selling console of all time.
March 31, 2016: PlayStation 2 Online Service Shutdown
On March 31, 2016, Sony shut down the original PlayStation 2 online service, ending an era of early online console gaming.
September 7, 2016: PlayStation 4 Slim Unveiled
On September 7, 2016, the PlayStation 4 Slim was unveiled, featuring a streamlined form factor.
September 15, 2016: PlayStation 4 Slim Released
On September 15, 2016, the PS4 Slim was released with a 500 GB model at the same price point as the original PS4 model.
October 2016: PlayStation VR Release
In October 2016, Sony Computer Entertainment released the PlayStation VR, a virtual reality device that features a 5.7-inch OLED display and 3D audio technology.
2016: PlayStation Sponsors Fiesta Bowl
In 2016, PlayStation became the sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl.
December 3, 2018: PlayStation Classic Launch
On December 3, 2018, the PlayStation Classic was launched on the 24th anniversary of the original PlayStation console. It is a miniature version preloaded with 20 games and two controllers.
March 2019: PlayStation Vita Discontinuation
In March 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) discontinued the PlayStation Vita, signaling their move away from portable consoles.
March 31, 2019: Sony's Financial Report Affirms New Hardware Development
On March 31, 2019, Sony's financial report for the quarter ending affirmed the development of new, next-generation hardware, with a release planned no earlier than April 2020.
April 2019: First News of the PS5
In April 2019, Mark Cerny provided the first news about the PlayStation 5 (PS5) in an interview with Wired, indicating Sony's plans for a next-generation console to be shipped worldwide by the end of 2020.
October 2019: Release of the PS5 Specifications
In October 2019, the current specifications for the PlayStation 5 were released, detailing the console's 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on AMD's Zen 2 microarchitecture and a custom AMD Navi family GPU with ray-tracing support. Further details of the new hardware were revealed: the console's integrated Blu-ray drive would support 100 GB Blu-ray discs and Ultra HD Blu-ray.
December 2019: PlayStation Network Active Users Milestone
As of December 2019, the PlayStation Network reached over 103 million active monthly users, demonstrating its widespread adoption.
April 2020: PS5 Release Date No Earlier Than April
In early 2019, Sony's financial report stated that new next-generation hardware was in development but would ship no earlier than April 2020. Sony affirmed the development of new next-generation hardware, specifying that it would be released no earlier than April 2020.
June 1, 2020: PlayStation Blog Europe Merged
On June 1, 2020, the PlayStation Blog Europe was merged into the main PlayStation Blog outlet.
July 2020: PlayStation Indies Program Introduction
In July 2020, as Sony prepared for the PS5, they introduced the PlayStation Indies program, led by Shuhei Yoshida, to spotlight innovative indie titles for the PlayStation 4 and 5.
November 12, 2020: PlayStation 5 Worldwide Release
On November 12, 2020, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released worldwide, marking its entry into the ninth generation of video game consoles, competing with the Xbox Series X and Series S.
2020: PlayStation 5 Release
In 2020, the PlayStation 5 was released, marking the newest console in the PlayStation series.
June 2022: PlayStation Now Merged into PlayStation Plus
In June 2022, PlayStation Now was merged into PlayStation Plus, ceasing to exist as a standalone subscription service.
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 PlayStation Portal, a new portable system (originally announced under the codename Project Q) that can stream PS5 games from a home console.
October 2023: Release of Revised Slimmer PS5 Design
In October 2023, Sony released a revised, slimmer design for the PlayStation 5 (PS5), featuring 1 TB of internal storage and replacing one USB-A port with USB-C. The base version of this "slim" model also removed the internal optical disc drive, replaced by an external drive.
November 15, 2023: PlayStation Portal Release
On November 15, 2023, the PlayStation Portal was released for $199.99.
November 2024: PlayStation 5 Pro Release
In November 2024, the PlayStation 5 Pro was released, featuring upgrades such as a faster GPU, PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for image upscaling, and increased internal storage.
