History of PlayStation in Timeline
PlayStation, a renowned video gaming brand developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, encompasses a diverse range of gaming hardware, including five home consoles, two handheld devices, a media center, and a smartphone. Beyond its hardware offerings, PlayStation extends its reach through an online service, gaming publications, and a dedicated division within Sony, solidifying its prominent position within the gaming industry.
1988: Sony and Nintendo Collaboration Begins
Sony's foray into the video game console market began in 1988 through a collaborative project with Nintendo to create a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Famicom.
March 1991: Nintendo Denies Sony Partnership
Despite ongoing collaborations with Sony on a CD-ROM-based console, Nintendo denied the existence of their partnership as late as March 1991.
June 1991: Sony Unveils "Play Station" at CES
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony shocked the gaming world by revealing their "Play Station" prototype, a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive.
May 1992: End of Nintendo and Sony Partnership
After failing to reach an agreement on revenue sharing, negotiations between Sony and Nintendo officially ended in May 1992, leading to a pivotal moment in gaming history.
June 1992: Sony's Decision to Develop PlayStation
In a pivotal meeting in June 1992, Sony President Norio Ohga, motivated by the breakdown of the Nintendo partnership, made the decision to continue developing the PlayStation project, forever changing the gaming landscape.
November 16, 1993: Formation of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
On November 16, 1993, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) was established, marking a significant step in Sony's commitment to the gaming industry.
1993: PlayStation Project Receives Green Light and Phil Harrison Joins SCEI
After years of development, the PlayStation project got the official go-ahead from Sony executives in 1993, marking a pivotal moment in gaming history. That same year, Phil Harrison joined SCEI, playing a key role in attracting game developers to the platform.
March 1994: Rumors of Sony PS-X Release
In March 1994, Computer Gaming World reported rumors of the "Sony PS-X" releasing in Japan by the year's end with a sub-$400 price tag, igniting anticipation among gamers.
December 3, 1994: Launch of the Original PlayStation
The original PlayStation, the first in the iconic PlayStation series, was released in Japan on December 3, 1994. This marked the beginning of a new era in gaming, with the PlayStation quickly becoming a global phenomenon.
December 1994: PlayStation Launch and Early Success
The PlayStation was released in Japan in December 1994, quickly gaining immense popularity partly due to its affordability compared to competitors like the Sega Saturn. Its success wasn't confined to Japan, as it replicated its triumph with worldwide releases in North America and Europe.
December 1994: PlayStation Release in Japan
The highly anticipated PlayStation console was released in Japan in December 1994.
1994: Establishment of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA)
A year after SCEI was founded, Sony established Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) in 1994 to manage the PlayStation's expansion into North America.
1994: Release of the PlayStation Control Pad
In 1994, the first controller specifically designed for the original PlayStation, the PlayStation Control Pad, was released, featuring a D-pad, four main action buttons, and start and select buttons.
1994: Release of the Original PlayStation (Referenced)
The text mentions that the PlayStation Classic was released on the 24th anniversary of the original PlayStation, which was originally released in 1994.
1996: Release of the PlayStation Analog Joystick
Sony released the PlayStation Analog Joystick in 1996, specifically designed for flight simulation games.
1997: Launch of PlayStation Underground Magazine
Sony Computer Entertainment America launched PlayStation Underground, a unique magazine for PlayStation enthusiasts, in Spring 1997. The magazine offered subscribers exclusive content on two PlayStation CDs, along with a booklet.
1997: Introduction of the Dual Analog Controller
The original PlayStation digital controller was replaced by the Dual Analog controller in 1997, introducing two analog sticks based on the same technology used in the Analog Joystick.
1998: Debut of the DualShock Controller
The DualShock controller, released in 1998, succeeded the Dual Analog controller and became the foundation for future PlayStation controllers. It retained features of previous controllers and included two analog sticks which could also be depressed to activate additional buttons, L3 and R3.
January 23, 1999: Release of the PocketStation
Sony released the PocketStation exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999. The device was a combination Memory Card and miniature personal digital assistant for the original PlayStation.
1999: PlayStation Sponsors AJ Auxerre
PlayStation became the main kit sponsor for the French Ligue 1 football club AJ Auxerre, marking the start of their sponsorship in 1999.
July 7, 2000: Release of the PS One
On July 7, 2000, Sony released the PS One, a smaller and redesigned version of the original PlayStation. This coincided with the launch of the PlayStation 2. Despite being released alongside its successor, the PS One became the top-selling console for the remainder of the year.
2000: PlayStation 2 Launch
The PlayStation 2, Sony's highly anticipated successor to the original PlayStation, hit the market in 2000.
2000: Launch of the PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2, released in 2000, was a groundbreaking console that marked a significant step forward in gaming technology. It became part of the sixth generation of video game consoles.
July 2001: Launch of PlayStation 2 Online Service in Japan
Sony launched its online gaming service for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in July 2001, marking the beginning of online console gaming for the company.
2001: PlayStation Underground Magazine Discontinued
Sony decided to discontinue PlayStation Underground magazine in 2001 to focus on the PlayStation Underground JamPacks Demo CDs. The JamPacks offered a compilation of content from previous magazine issues and demos of new and upcoming games.
August 2002: Release of PlayStation 2 Online Service in North America
Following its release in Japan, PlayStation 2's online service became available in North America in August 2002, expanding the reach of the console's online capabilities.
2002: Sony Releases Linux Kit for PlayStation 2
In 2002, Sony released a Linux kit for the PlayStation 2, transforming the console into a functional computer system. The kit included a hard drive, software tools, and allowed internet connectivity, monitor connection, and use of a USB keyboard and mouse.
June 2003: Release of PlayStation 2 Online Service in Europe
PlayStation 2's online service was launched in Europe in June 2003, completing its global rollout and allowing players in the region to experience online console gaming.
December 2003: PlayStation and PS One Reach a Milestone
By December 2003, the PlayStation and PS One reached a combined shipment total of 102.49 million units. This achievement solidified the PlayStation's position as a dominant force in the gaming industry.
2003: Launch of the Sony PSX in Japan
In 2003, Sony released the PSX exclusively in Japan. It was a fully integrated DVR and PlayStation 2 video game console, marking the first use of the XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface.
December 2004: Release of PlayStation Portable (PSP) in Japan
The PlayStation Portable, Sony's first handheld console designed to compete with the Nintendo DS, was launched in Japan in December 2004.
2004: Release of PS2 Slimline
A slimline version of the PlayStation 2 was released in 2004.
2004: Release of the PlayStation 2 Slimline
Four years after the original PlayStation 2 debuted, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 Slimline in 2004, marking the first significant redesign of the console.
March 2005: Release of PlayStation Portable (PSP) Worldwide
Following its Japanese debut, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) saw its worldwide release in March 2005, introducing the UMD format and a new competitor in the handheld gaming market.
November 29, 2005: PlayStation 2 Achieves Fastest 100 Million Units Shipped
On November 29, 2005, the PlayStation 2 made history by becoming the fastest gaming console to ship 100 million units. This accomplishment was achieved in a remarkably short period, taking only 5 years and 9 months after its launch.
2005: Early Development of PlayStation Home
Development for PlayStation Home began in early 2005. The service aimed to be a community-driven social space on the PlayStation 3.
2005: The Age Newspaper Highlights PlayStation's Impact
In 2005, the Australian newspaper, The Age, published an article emphasizing the significant cultural impact of the PlayStation brand. The article featured interviews with industry figures such as game designer Yoshiki Okamoto and Naughty Dog's Evan Wells, who praised PlayStation's revolutionary influence on gaming.
July 2006: Controversial PSP Advertisement in the Netherlands
In July 2006, Sony released a controversial advertising campaign in the Netherlands for the Ceramic White PSP. The ad, featuring a white model and a black model dressed in corresponding colors, was accused of racism for its depiction of the models fighting. Sony, however, defended the campaign, stating that it carried no racial undertones.
November 11, 2006: Launch of the PlayStation 3
On November 11, 2006, Sony launched the PlayStation 3 in Japan, marking the company's entry into the seventh generation of gaming consoles.
November 2006: Sony's Viral Marketing Campaign Backfires
A viral marketing campaign for the PSP backfired for Sony in November 2006. The campaign, orchestrated by a marketing company hired by Sony, involved a website and blog purportedly created by a teenager named Charlie who desperately wanted a PSP. The campaign was quickly exposed as a fabrication, leading Sony to admit to the poorly executed marketing strategy.
2006: PlayStation Network Release
The PlayStation Network, an online service primarily for online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery, was released in 2006.
2006: PlayStation 3 Launch
Sony released the PlayStation 3 in 2006, marking the arrival of the third generation of the popular gaming console.
June 11, 2007: PlayStation Blog Launch
The PlayStation Blog, an online platform dedicated to all things PlayStation, was launched on June 11, 2007.
September 2007: Release of PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite)
September 2007 marked the release of the PSP-2000, also known as the Slim & Lite. This iteration brought notable reductions in size and weight compared to the original PSP.
2007: PlayStation Ends Sponsorship of AJ Auxerre
PlayStation concluded its sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre in 2007, ending their eight-year partnership.
2007: Release of Lighter PlayStation 2 Slimline
Sony continued to refine the PlayStation 2 Slimline, releasing a lighter revision of the console in 2007. This revision included a lighter AC adapter, enhancing its portability and convenience.
2007: Release of Another PS2 Slimline Model
Sony released another slimline model of the PlayStation 2 in 2007.
June 2008: DualShock Controller Sales Milestone
The DualShock controller, a staple of the PlayStation series, had sold 28 million units by June 2008.
December 11, 2008: PlayStation Home Open Beta Begins
After a period of development, PlayStation Home entered open beta on December 11, 2008, allowing PlayStation 3 users to create avatars, interact, and experience a virtual world.
2008: Commencement of PlayStation 4 Development
According to Mark Cerny, the lead system architect, the development of the PlayStation 4 commenced as early as 2008. This early start on the PS4's development underscores Sony's commitment to staying at the forefront of gaming innovation.
2008: Release of PSP-3000
Sony released the PSP-3000 in 2008, featuring a built-in microphone, an improved screen, and the capability to output games in interlaced mode.
2008: Release of Redesigned PlayStation 2 Slimline
In 2008, Sony introduced a further revision of the PlayStation 2 Slimline. This revision featured a significant internal redesign, integrating the power supply into the console itself. This design choice, similar to the original PlayStation 2, resulted in an even lighter console, further improving its overall weight and portability.
May 28, 2009: PlayStation Blog Europe Launch
Sony launched PlayStation Blog Europe on May 28, 2009, as a dedicated branch for European users.
June 2, 2009: Unveiling of PlayStation Move
On June 2, 2009, Sony revealed the PlayStation Move, a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3.
September 1, 2009: Release of the PlayStation 3 Slim in North America and Europe
Sony launched the PlayStation 3 Slim in North America and Europe on September 1, 2009. This redesigned model was 33% smaller and 36% lighter than its predecessor, making it a more compact and portable gaming console.
September 3, 2009: Release of the PlayStation 3 Slim in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand
Following its release in North America and Europe, Sony launched the PlayStation 3 Slim in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand on September 3, 2009. This marked the global availability of the redesigned console, offering gamers worldwide a more compact and energy-efficient gaming experience.
September 24, 2009: PlayStation Store Surpasses 600 Million Downloads
As of September 24, 2009, the PlayStation Store had reached a milestone of over 600 million downloads worldwide.
October 2009: "Room" Beta Testing Begins
Sony began beta testing "Room" in Japan in October 2009. "Room" was envisioned as a service similar to PlayStation Home for the PSP, allowing users to interact in virtual spaces.
October 2009: Release of PSP Go
Sony released the PSP Go in October 2009, a major redesign that replaced the UMD drive with 16GB of internal storage and featured a sliding screen mechanism.
2009: PlayStation Sponsors Olympique Lyonnais
PlayStation began its sponsorship of the French Ligue 1 football club Olympique Lyonnais in 2009, becoming their main kit sponsor.
2009: PlayStation Ranked Among Top Social Brands
ViTrue, Inc. ranked the PlayStation brand 13th on their list of "The Vitrue 100: Top Social Brands of 2009." This ranking considered various factors related to popular social media platforms and highlighted PlayStation's strong presence and engagement.
February 2010: Expansion of Video Content on PlayStation Store
In February 2010, the PlayStation Store expanded its offerings to include video content such as films and television shows, available on the PlayStation 3 and PSP.
March 17, 2010: PlayStation Blog Share Launch
On March 17, 2010, Sony launched PlayStation Blog Share, a sub-site where readers could submit ideas and vote on PlayStation-related topics.
April 15, 2010: "Room" Development Halted
On April 15, 2010, Sony halted the development of "Room," a service similar to PlayStation Home that was being developed for the PSP. This decision came after negative feedback from the community during the beta testing phase.
April 2010: "Room" Beta Testing Ends
The beta testing phase for Sony's "Room" service on the PSP concluded in April 2010. The service, intended to be similar to PlayStation Home, was met with negative feedback, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
2010: Release of the Sony BRAVIA KDL22PX300
Sony released the BRAVIA KDL22PX300 in 2010. It was a 22-inch 720p television with a built-in PlayStation 2 console and four HDMI ports.
2010: Sony Removes Linux Support on PlayStation 3
Sony released a firmware update in 2010 that removed the ability to install Linux on the PlayStation 3. This feature had previously allowed users to utilize the console's processing power for other operating systems.
2010: PlayStation Ends Sponsorship of Olympique Lyonnais
PlayStation's sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais came to an end in 2010.
2010: Launch of PlayStation Move
PlayStation Move, launched in 2010, utilized the PlayStation Eye webcam to track the controller's position and inertial sensors to detect motion, offering a new way to interact with games.
2010: Gizmodo Recognizes PlayStation's Unique Identity
Gizmodo published an article in 2010 recognizing PlayStation as one of the few Sony products that maintained a distinct identity and strong brand loyalty among consumers. They noted that PlayStation was often cited as people's favorite Sony product.
January 11, 2011: PlayStation App Release
The PlayStation App, allowing users to connect with their PlayStation Network accounts, view trophies, and see friends' online statuses, was released on January 11, 2011.
January 27, 2011: Unveiling of PlayStation Vita
Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation Vita on January 27, 2011, at the PlayStation Meeting 2011, showcasing its touchscreen, analog sticks, rear touchpad, and motion sensing capabilities.
December 2011: PlayStation Vita Launch in Japan
The PlayStation Vita (PSVita) made its debut in Japan in December 2011.
December 17, 2011: PlayStation Vita Release in Japan
The PlayStation Vita, codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP), was released in Japan on December 17, 2011.
2011: Sony's Focus on Early Launch to Avoid Lagging Behind Competition
In 2011, Jim Ryan, the CEO of PlayStation Europe, emphasized Sony's determination to avoid a repeat of previous console launches where they lagged behind the competition. Sony aimed to release the PlayStation 4 strategically to gain a competitive edge in the gaming market.
2011: Release of the PlayStation 3D Display
In late 2011, Sony released a 24-inch 1080p 3D television called the PlayStation 3D Display, notable for its SimulView technology, enabling two players to see full-screen images during multiplayer games instead of a split screen.
2011: Planned Release of PlayStation Mobile
Sony planned to release PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Suite) before the end of 2011, aiming to provide downloadable PlayStation content to devices running Android 2.3 and above, including the PlayStation Vita.
2011: Release of PSP-E1000
The PSP-E1000, a budget-friendly model without Wi-Fi and featuring a single mono speaker, was released in 2011.
2011: Release of PlayStation Certified Sony Tablets
The first of the PlayStation Certified Sony Tablets were released in 2011. These Android tablets offered connectivity with PlayStation 3 controllers and integration with the PlayStation Network.
February 2012: PlayStation Vita Global Launch
Following its Japanese release, the PlayStation Vita launched in most other major territories in February 2012.
February 22, 2012: PlayStation Vita Release in North America
Following its release in Japan, the PlayStation Vita was launched in North America on February 22, 2012.
April 2012: PlayStation Becomes Most Followed Entertainment Brand on Facebook
By April 2012, PlayStation became the most followed brand in the entertainment industry on Facebook, surpassing other major players with over 22 million fans and followers. This milestone demonstrated PlayStation's strong social media presence and popularity.
October 24, 2012: Life with PlayStation Project Ends
On October 24, 2012, Sony ended the Life with PlayStation project, a Folding@home application that allowed users to donate their PlayStation 3's processing power to scientific research.
December 28, 2012: End of PlayStation 2 Shipments in Japan
After a successful run, Sony ceased shipments of the PlayStation 2 in Japan on December 28, 2012. The console's production had reached its end, marking the end of an era for the iconic gaming system.
2012: Release of Additional PlayStation Certified Sony Tablet Models
Sony expanded its range of PlayStation Certified Android tablets in 2012, continuing to offer connectivity with PlayStation 3 controllers and integration with the PlayStation Network.
2012: PlayStation 2 Sales Milestone
The PlayStation 2 continued its reign as the best-selling home console, surpassing 155 million units sold by the end of 2012.
2012: Unveiling of the PlayStation 3 "Super Slim"
In 2012, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 3 "Super Slim," a further redesign of the console with a completely new case and a sliding disc drive cover. This model was significantly lighter than the previous "slim" model and came with various hard drive options.
January 4, 2013: End of PlayStation 2 Production Worldwide
As reported by The Guardian on January 4, 2013, Sony officially ended the production of the PlayStation 2 worldwide. Despite its discontinuation, the PlayStation 2 remained a beloved console, with many people across the globe continuing to own and cherish it.
January 2013: PlayStation Vita Sales Milestone
By January 2013, the PlayStation Vita had sold over four million units, demonstrating its growing popularity among gamers.
February 20, 2013: Sony Announces the PlayStation 4
At a press conference on February 20, 2013, Sony officially announced the PlayStation 4 (PS4), revealing key hardware specifications. Notably, the PS4 marked the introduction of the x86 architecture to the PlayStation series.
June 2013: PlayStation Network User Milestone
The PlayStation Network, Sony's online gaming and entertainment service, reached 110 million registered users by June 2013.
September 9, 2013: Announcement of PlayStation TV (PlayStation Vita TV)
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced the PlayStation TV, a microconsole and non-portable variant of the PlayStation Vita handheld, on September 9, 2013.
September 2013: Announcement of PlayStation Vita PCH-2000
Sony announced the PlayStation Vita PCH-2000, a lighter and thinner redesign of the handheld console, at the SCEJA Press Conference in September 2013.
October 10, 2013: Release of PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 in Japan
A redesigned, slimmer and lighter model of the PlayStation Vita, known as the PCH-2000, was released in Japan on October 10, 2013. This model featured improved battery life, an LCD screen instead of OLED, and other refinements.
November 14, 2013: Release of PlayStation TV in Japan
PlayStation TV, the microconsole version of the PlayStation Vita, was released in Japan on November 14, 2013, allowing users to play Vita games on their televisions.
November 2013: PlayStation 3 Surpasses 80 Million Units Sold
By November 2013, the PlayStation 3 had achieved a significant sales milestone, surpassing 80 million units sold globally. This accomplishment solidified its position as a leading console in the seventh generation of gaming.
November 2013: PlayStation Portable Sales Milestone
Sony's first handheld console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), achieved a significant sales milestone in November 2013, reaching 80 million units sold worldwide.
November 15, 2013: Launch of the PlayStation 4 in North America
Sony launched the PlayStation 4 in North America on November 15, 2013, marking the company's entry into the eighth generation of gaming consoles. The PS4 introduced new features like the DualShock 4 controller, the PlayStation App for second-screen gaming, and a focus on social gameplay with the share button.
2013: PlayStation 4 Launch and Sales Record
The PlayStation 4 made a record-breaking debut in 2013, selling a million units within a day of its release.
2013: Final Release of PlayStation Certified Sony Tablet Models
Sony concluded the release of its PlayStation Certified Android tablets in 2013, marking the end of this line of tablets that offered connectivity with PlayStation 3 controllers and PlayStation Network integration.
January 7, 2014: PlayStation Now Announcement
Sony announced PlayStation Now, a Gaikai-based game streaming service, at the 2014 Consumer Electronic Show on January 7, 2014.
March 2, 2014: PlayStation App Reaches 3.6 Million Installs
By March 2, 2014, the PlayStation App had achieved more than 3.6 million installs.
May 6, 2014: Release of PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 in North America
Following its release in Japan, the redesigned PlayStation Vita PCH-2000 model was released in North America on May 6, 2014.
July 2014: PlayStation Celebrates 100 Million Units Sold
In July 2014, Sony released a video celebrating the sale of a combined 100 million units for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita consoles. This milestone highlighted the immense success and global reach of the PlayStation brand.
July 31, 2014: PlayStation Now Open Beta Launch
PlayStation Now entered Open Beta in the United States and Canada on PlayStation 4 on July 31, 2014.
September 1, 2014: PlayStation Dominates Japanese Console Market
During the Tokyo Game Show on September 1, 2014, it was announced that PlayStation home consoles held a commanding 78% market share in Japan, demonstrating their overwhelming popularity in the region.
September 18, 2014: PlayStation Now Expands to PS3
On September 18, 2014, PlayStation Now expanded its service to the PlayStation 3.
October 14, 2014: Release of Playstation TV in North America
On October 14, 2014, PlayStation TV, a microconsole variant of the PlayStation Vita handheld, launched in North America.
November 14, 2014: Release of Playstation TV in Europe and Australia
PlayStation TV was released in Europe and Australia on November 14, 2014, expanding the reach of the microconsole variant of the PlayStation Vita handheld.
2014: PlayStation Mobile 2.00 Release
In 2014, Sony released version 2.00 of PlayStation Mobile, its software framework for delivering PlayStation content on mobile devices. This update focused solely on the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV.
March 2015: PlayStation Home Closure
PlayStation Home, Sony's social gaming networking service, closed down in March 2015 despite having over 41 million users worldwide.
2015: PlayStation Becomes the Top-Selling Console Brand
By 2015, PlayStation solidified its position as the world's best-selling console brand, solidifying its dominance in the gaming industry.
2015: PlayStation Gear Launches
Sony launched PlayStation Gear, an online store for PlayStation-branded merchandise and apparel, in 2015.
2015: PlayStation 2 Ranked Best-Selling Console
In 2015, the PlayStation 2 received recognition for its unparalleled success, being ranked as the best-selling video game console of all time.
March 31, 2016: Shutdown of PlayStation 2 Online Service
PlayStation 2's online service was shut down on March 31, 2016, marking the end of an era for the console's online gaming capabilities.
September 7, 2016: Unveiling of the PlayStation 4 Slim
On September 7, 2016, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 4 Slim, a smaller and more streamlined version of the original PS4. The PS4 Slim came with a redesigned controller, a matte finish, and a smaller footprint overall.
September 15, 2016: Release of the PlayStation 4 Slim
Sony released the PlayStation 4 Slim on September 15, 2016, offering gamers a more compact and affordable option for experiencing the PS4's library of games.
October 2016: Launch of PlayStation VR
Sony Computer Entertainment released PlayStation VR, a virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 4, in October 2016.
March 2017: PlayStation 3 Sales Milestone
By March 2017, Sony had sold over 87.4 million units of the PlayStation 3 console.
December 3, 2018: Launch of the PlayStation Classic
On December 3, 2018, the 24th anniversary of the original console, Sony released the PlayStation Classic.
March 2019: Discontinuation of PlayStation Vita
Sony officially discontinued the production of the PlayStation Vita in March 2019, marking the end of an era for the handheld console.
March 31, 2019: Confirmation of Next-Generation Hardware Development
Sony's financial report for the quarter ending on March 31, 2019, confirmed the development of their next-generation console, although it wasn't yet named as the PS5.
April 2019: First Mention of the PS5
Mark Cerny, in an interview with Wired in April 2019, provided the initial public information about the development of the PlayStation 5.
October 2019: Unveiling of PlayStation 5 Specifications
In October 2019, Sony revealed the technical specifications of the PlayStation 5, including details about its CPU, GPU, and storage capabilities.
December 2019: PlayStation Network Reaches 103 Million Active Users
By December 2019, the PlayStation Network had reached over 103 million active monthly users.
December 2019: PlayStation Network Active User Milestone
By December 2019, the PlayStation Network had surpassed 103 million active users monthly, demonstrating its enduring popularity among gamers.
April 2020: Earliest Possible Shipping Date for the PS5
Sony announced that the release of their next-generation console, later revealed to be the PS5, would happen no sooner than April 2020.
June 2020: Merger of PlayStation Blog Europe
In June 2020, PlayStation Blog Europe was merged into the main PlayStation Blog.
July 2020: Introduction of the New PlayStation Indies Program
In July 2020, Sony introduced a new PlayStation Indies program, led by Shuhei Yoshida, as part of their transition from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5.
November 12, 2020: Worldwide Release of PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released worldwide on November 12, 2020, marking the beginning of the ninth generation of video game consoles alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S.
2020: PlayStation 5 Launch and Sales Record
The PlayStation 5 launched in 2020 and quickly became the fastest-selling PlayStation console, selling 10 million units in its first 249 days.
2020: PlayStation 5 User Interface and Backwards Compatibility Revealed
In 2020, Sony revealed details about the PlayStation 5's revamped user interface and its backwards compatibility with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games.
December 2021: Sony Plans "Spartacus" Subscription Service
In December 2021, Bloomberg News reported that Sony was developing a new subscription service codenamed "Spartacus." The service, intended to rival Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass, was planned for a Q2 2022 release and would combine PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now while offering access to a large catalog of games, including titles from older PlayStation consoles, depending on the subscription tier.
June 2022: PlayStation Now Merges into PlayStation Plus
In June 2022, PlayStation Now was merged into the PlayStation Plus service, discontinuing its standalone availability.
2022: Expected Launch of "Spartacus"
Sony was expected to launch its new subscription service, "Spartacus," in 2022. The service, aiming to compete with Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass, was to merge PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, and offer a tiered subscription model with access to a vast library of games.
August 23, 2023: Unveiling of PlayStation Portal
On August 23, 2023, Sony officially unveiled PlayStation Portal, a portable device designed to stream PS5 games. Initially announced as Project Q, the device aimed to offer a new way to experience PlayStation games remotely.
November 15, 2023: Release of PlayStation Portal
PlayStation Portal, the handheld device designed for streaming PS5 games, was released on November 15, 2023, with a price tag of $199.99.