History of PlayStation in Timeline
PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned and produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. It consists of a series of home video game consoles, handhelds, online services, magazines, and other media forms. The PlayStation brand has become synonymous with gaming, consistently pushing technological boundaries and shaping popular culture through its diverse range of gaming experiences.
June 1991: Sony Reveals "Play Station" at CES
At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony revealed a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive, called "Play Station" (SNES-CD), incorporating Green Book technology or CD-i.
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 CD-ROM-based system with 3D graphics, leading Sony President Ohga to retain the project.
November 16, 1993: Formation of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
On November 16, 1993, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) was formed by Kutaragi, Shigeo Maruyama, and Akira Sato, with an initial partnership with Sony Music.
1993: PlayStation Project Greenlit and Phil Harrison Recruited
In 1993, the PlayStation project received the green light from Sony executives, and Phil Harrison was recruited to attract developers and publishers to the new PlayStation platform.
December 3, 1994: Original PlayStation Released in Japan
On December 3, 1994, the original PlayStation was released in Japan, marking the beginning of the PlayStation series of game devices.
December 1994: PlayStation Hits Japanese Stores
In December 1994, the PlayStation was released in Japanese stores, achieving massive sales due to its lower price point compared to the Sega Saturn. Its popularity spread worldwide after its release in North America and Europe.
1994: Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) Founded
In 1994, Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) was founded as a parent company by Sony Interactive Entertainment, based in New York.
1994: PlayStation Control Pad Release
In 1994, the PlayStation control pad was released as the first controller for the original PlayStation, featuring a D-pad, four main select buttons, and shoulder buttons.
1994: First PlayStation Home Console Release
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 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 Launch
In Spring 1997, Sony Computer Entertainment America began publishing PlayStation Underground, a quarterly non-traditional magazine. Subscribers received two PlayStation CDs, a booklet, and colorful packaging.
1998: DualShock Controller Release
In 1998, the DualShock controller for the PlayStation was released, succeeding the Dual Analog. In addition to the inputs of the original controller, the DualShock featured two analog sticks.
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 Concurrently with PlayStation 2
On July 7, 2000, the PS One, a smaller and redesigned version of the original PlayStation, was released concurrently with its successor, the PlayStation 2. It went on to outsell all other consoles throughout the remainder of the year.
2000: Optional 5-inch LCD Screen Release
In 2000, Sony released an optional 5-inch LCD screen (SCPH-131) for the PSone, 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, becoming part of the sixth generation of video game consoles.
2001: PlayStation Underground Phased Out
By 2001, Sony decided to phase out PlayStation Underground to focus on the JamPacks with the release of the PlayStation 2.
2002: PSone Combo Pack Release
In 2002, Sony released a pack-in bundle with the PSone called the "Combo Pack", which included the optional 5-inch LCD screen (SCPH-131).
2002: PlayStation 2 Linux Kit Release
In 2002, Sony released the first fully functioning operating system for a video game console. The Linux Kit turned the PlayStation 2 into a full-fledged computer system running Linux.
December 2003: PlayStation and PS one Combined Shipments Reach 102.49 Million Units
By December 2003, the combined shipments of the PlayStation and PS one reached a total of 102.49 million units, making it the first video game console to sell 120 million units.
2004: PlayStation 2 Slimline Released
In 2004, four years after the launch of the original PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 2 Slimline was released as the first major redesign of the console.
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, achieving this feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch.
2005: The Age Article on PlayStation Brand
In 2005, The Age published an article featuring interviews where Jeffrey Brand of Bond University said, "PlayStation re-ignited our imagination with video games". Yoshiki Okamoto called the brand "revolutionary" and Evan Wells of Naughty Dog stated "PlayStation is responsible for making playing games cool."
July 2006: Controversial PSP Ad Campaign
In July 2006, Sony released an advertising campaign in the Netherlands for the Ceramic White and Piano Black PSPs, featuring a white model dressed in white and a black model dressed in black. The ads, depicting the models fighting, were criticized for being racist.
November 2006: Failed Viral PSP Marketing Campaign
In November 2006, Sony's American division launched a viral marketing campaign, "All I want for Xmas is a PSP," featuring a fake blog and music video. The campaign was quickly exposed, and Sony admitted it was "poorly executed."
September 2007: PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite) Release
In September 2007, Sony released the PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite) which was 33% lighter and 19% slimmer than the original PlayStation Portable, with modified serial port for video-out and USB charging.
2007: PlayStation Sponsors AJ Auxerre End Date
In 2007, PlayStation ended sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre.
2007: Revision of Slimline
In 2007, Sony began shipping a revision of the Slimline, which was lighter than the original Slimline, together with a lighter AC adapter.
2008: PlayStation 4 Development Begins
Development on the PlayStation 4 began as early as 2008, according to lead system architect Mark Cerny.
2008: Another Revision of Slimline
In 2008, Sony released another revision of the Slimline, which had an overhauled internal design incorporating the power supply into the console itself.
2008: PSP-3000 Hardware Revision
In 2008, Sony released the PSP-3000, a hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable, which included a built-in microphone and an upgraded screen.
June 2, 2009: PlayStation Move 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.
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, featuring a smaller size, lighter weight, and reduced power consumption.
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.
October 2009: PSP Go Release
In October 2009, Sony released the PSP Go, a redesigned PlayStation Portable without a UMD drive, featuring 16 GB of internal flash memory, smaller size, and compatibility with PlayStation 3 controllers via Bluetooth.
2009: PlayStation Sponsors Olympique Lyonnais
In 2009, PlayStation became the main kit sponsor of French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais.
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 presence.
2010: PlayStation Brand Recognized for Standing Apart
In 2010, Gizmodo stated that the PlayStation brand was one of the last Sony products to completely stand apart from its competitors.
2010: PlayStation Move Launch
In 2010, PlayStation Move was launched. Hardware available at launch included the main PlayStation Move motion controller and an optional PlayStation Move sub-controller.
2010: PlayStation Sponsors Olympique Lyonnais End Date
In 2010, PlayStation ended sponsorship of French Ligue 1 club Olympique Lyonnais.
2010: PlayStation 3 Firmware Update Removes Linux Support
In 2010, a firmware update removed the feature to install a second operating system on the PlayStation 3.
January 27, 2011: PlayStation Vita Unveiled
On January 27, 2011, Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation Vita (previously codenamed Next Generation Portable or NGP) at the PlayStation Meeting 2011.
December 17, 2011: PlayStation Vita Release in Japan
On December 17, 2011, the PlayStation Vita, previously codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP), was released in Japan, featuring a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, two analog sticks, and a rear touchpad.
2011: Sony Aims to Avoid Launching Next-Gen Console Behind 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 (PSP-E1000) Release
In 2011, the PSP Street (PSP-E1000), a budget-focused PlayStation Portable model without Wi-Fi or stereo speakers, was announced at Gamescom and released across the PAL region for €99.99.
February 22, 2012: PlayStation Vita Release in North America
On February 22, 2012, the PlayStation Vita, previously codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP), was released in North America, featuring a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, two analog sticks, and a rear touchpad.
April 2012: PlayStation Brand Most Followed on Facebook
As of April 2012, the PlayStation brand was the most followed brand on Facebook, with over 22 million fans and followers. PlayStation was also the most interactive with 634 posts and tweets on Facebook and Twitter.
December 28, 2012: PlayStation 2 Shipments End in Japan
PlayStation 2 shipments in Japan ended on December 28, 2012.
2012: Sony Reveals New Super Slim PlayStation 3
In 2012, Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3, featuring a redesigned case with a sliding door for the disc drive and reduced weight.
January 4, 2013: End of PS2 Production Worldwide
On January 4, 2013, The Guardian reported that PS2 production had ended worldwide, although many people still owned one.
February 20, 2013: PlayStation 4 Announced at Press Conference
On February 20, 2013, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the PlayStation 4 (PS4) at a press conference, revealing some hardware specifications of the new console.
September 2013: Announcement of new PCH-2000 Series System
In September 2013, at the SCEJA Press Conference prior to the Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the new PCH-2000 series PlayStation Vita, a lighter redesign with an LCD screen and 1 GB of internal storage.
October 10, 2013: New PCH-2000 Series System Release
On October 10, 2013, the new PCH-2000 series PlayStation Vita system was released in Japan. It features a lighter design, LCD instead of OLED, and 1 GB of internal storage memory.
November 2013: PlayStation 3 Sales Reach 80 Million Worldwide
As of November 2013, the PlayStation 3 had sold over 80 million consoles worldwide.
May 6, 2014: New PCH-2000 Series System Release in North America
On May 6, 2014, the new PCH-2000 series PlayStation Vita system was released in North America. It features a lighter design, LCD instead of OLED, and 1 GB of internal storage memory.
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.
2015: Strongest Selling Console Brand Worldwide
As of 2015, PlayStation is the strongest selling console brand worldwide.
2015: PlayStation 2 Ranked Best Selling Console of All Time
In 2015, PlayStation 2 was 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, Sony unveiled the PlayStation 4 Slim (PS4 Slim), a revision of the original PS4 with a 40% smaller, streamlined design, matte finish, and minor updates to the DualShock 4 controller.
September 15, 2016: PlayStation 4 Slim Release
On September 15, 2016, Sony released the PlayStation 4 Slim (CUH-2000) with a 500 GB model at the original PS4's price point.
2016: PlayStation Sponsors Fiesta Bowl
In 2016, PlayStation became the sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl.
March 2019: PlayStation Vita Discontinuation
In March 2019, Sony discontinued the PlayStation Vita, stating a shift away from portable consoles.
March 31, 2019: New Hardware in Development
In early 2019, Sony's financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2019, affirmed that new next-generation hardware was in development, with release planned for April 2020 or later.
April 2019: First News of PS5
In April 2019, the first news of the PlayStation 5 (PS5) was revealed by Mark Cerny in an interview with Wired.
October 2019: PlayStation 5 Specifications Released
In October 2019, the current specifications for the PlayStation 5 were released, detailing its 8-core, 16-thread CPU, custom AMD Navi family GPU with ray-tracing support, custom SSD storage, and Blu-ray drive supporting 100 GB Blu-ray discs and Ultra HD Blu-ray.
December 2019: PlayStation Network Active Users
As of December 2019, the PlayStation Network has over 103 million active users monthly.
April 2020: New Hardware in Development
In early 2019, Sony's financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2019, affirmed that new next-generation hardware was in development, with release planned for April 2020 or later.
November 12, 2020: PlayStation 5 Worldwide Release
On November 12, 2020, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released worldwide, marking the beginning of the ninth generation of video game consoles alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S.
2020: PlayStation 5 Release
In 2020, the PlayStation 5 was released as the most recent console in the PlayStation series.
2022: PlayStation Sponsors Fiesta Bowl End Date
In 2022, PlayStation ended sponsorship of the Fiesta Bowl.
2022: Spartacus Subscription Service Planned Release
In 2022, Sony planned to release a multi-tiered subscription service, code-named Spartacus, intended as a competitor to the Xbox Game Pass service by Microsoft, with plans to release in the second quarter of 2022. The service would incorporate PlayStation Plus, PlayStation Now, and additional features, such as access to PlayStation 1, 2, and 3 games.
August 23, 2023: PlayStation Portal Unveiled
On August 23, 2023, Sony officially unveiled Project Q as PlayStation Portal, a new portable system that can stream PS5 games from a home console.
October 2023: PS5 Slimmer Design Release
In October 2023, a revised slimmer design for the PS5 was released, featuring 1 TB of internal storage, USB-C port, and a removable internal optical disc 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. 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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