Key Points
- The PlayStation 2 sold the most units with 159 million, a number that makes it the most popular console in gaming history.
- Sony designed PlayStation consoles for backward compatibility. For example, most PS4 games will work on the PlayStation 5.
- The PlayStation Network provides digital downloads of games for a monthly fee. This service provides access to older games in the PlayStation family.
Sony PlayStation 5 Specs
| Internal Storage | 825GB SSD |
| Controller | Wireless DualSense |
| CPU | 8-Core AMD Zen 2 |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 2 |
| Disc Drive | 4K Blu-Ray in Standard edition |
The PS5 comes in two editions: standard and digital. The digital edition has no hardware for reading games discs and must interact with the PlayStation Network.
Sony PlayStation 5: Where to Buy It
Since the PS5 rolled out in November of 2020, units sell out quickly when restocked. Retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and GameStop all carry the device when it is available.
Quick Facts
- Original price
- $299
- Units Sold
- 102.4 million (for the original PlayStation)
Consumers can also purchase a PlayStation 5 through the PlayStation Direct service. Interested console shoppers can sign up to receive an invitation for a Direct restock event. Invited shoppers have the first opportunity to purchase. If there are still units in stock, PlayStation Direct will make them available to the general public.
You can also buy the Playstation 5 PS5 Disc Version Gaming Console on amazon.com by following this link.
The History of the Sony PlayStation
In the early 1990s, names like Nintendo and Sega dominated the game console market. At this time, the Sony Corporation was producing components for other game systems. When a planned partnership between Nintendo and Sony broke down, Sony started the Sony Computer Entertainment Division. This team would eventually develop the first PlayStation console.
The original PS brought several innovations to the market. The system used a CD-ROM drive instead of a cartridge system, giving the unit better 3D graphics and a lower manufacturing cost. The controller used a two-handed grip and incorporated the now-familiar PS buttons with a red circle, blue cross, green triangle, and pink square.
Early PS-exclusive games also helped the console gain a foothold in the home entertainment market. The popularity of Gran Turismo, Tekken, and Final Fantasy influenced the purchasing decisions of many consumers.
Since the first console, PS has grown to include portable devices like the PSP and PlayStation Vita. The company has also branched into digital game services like the PlayStation Network. The digital version of the PS5 relies solely on this digital content.
Sony PlayStation Versions: Understanding Each Model
Although the company has made forays into other devices, PlayStation is best known as a gaming console. Each generation has brought better performance and improved gaming quality.
PS/PS1
The first PlayStation generation had a CD-ROM drive that could play audio CDs as well as games. It helped move the gaming world from two dimensions to more engaging 3D rendering.
PS2
The PS2, launched in 2000, is the current champion for most consoles sold. This unit had backward compatibility with the PS1, so gamers could still play their favorite games. It also used a CD/DVD drive and worked as a multimedia player.
PS3
Game consoles improved as technology moved forward. In 2006, the PS3 was the first console with internet connectivity and an internal hard drive. These features allowed it to work with the new PlayStation Network. Gamers could download older games and access beta versions through the PlayStation Plus service.
PS4
In 2013, Sony sought to introduce a console comparable to gaming PCs. The PS4 uses a 1.6GHz CPU and an AMD Radeon GPU to deliver fast, immersive gameplay. Recognizing the growing social popularity of gaming, the PS4 controller includes a Share button for uploading gameplay clips.
PS5
The PS5 is the most recent addition to the family. Its major innovation is speed powered by a 3.5 GHz CPU and a 2.23 GHz graphics processor. It has backward compatibility with most PS4 games, and the standard model can play Blu-ray media.
The Public Response to the Sony PlayStation
The first PS was released at a pivotal time in the gaming industry. The move from two-dimensional side-scrolling games to 3D shooters and open worlds brought new possibilities for creative development. The PS console’s ability to play other media enhanced its reputation as a home entertainment device. As a result, the PS2 is the best-selling device in gaming console history, and orders for the PS5 through PlayStation Direct are frequently sold out.
Up Next…
What other consoles are a firm favorite among gamers, or once were? And how do they measure up against their competitors? Find out by reading the articles below:
- The History of Sega Consoles: They once ruled the gamescape alongside Nintendo’s offerings. Read about these devices from the brand that gave the world Sonic the Hedgehog.
- Nintendo vs Sony: The Best Gaming Console: Nintendo wisely sidestepped the fierce console wars. And yet it is actually capable of going toe to toe with Sony. We explain how right here.
- Xbox vs PlayStation: Which One Is Best?: They are both the most popular gaming consoles on the planet today. But which one is the better option for you? Find out here.
