PlayStation#PlayStation Blog

PlayStation was the brainchild of Ken Kutaragi, a Sony executive who managed one of the company's hardware engineering divisions and was later dubbed "The Father of the PlayStation".{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5475462/whats-the-father-of-the-playstation-doing-these-days |title=What's The Father of the PlayStation Doing These Days? |first=Brian |last=Ashcraft |date=February 19, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=August 11, 2010 |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211001/http://kotaku.com/5475462/whats-the-father-of-the-playstation-doing-these-days |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6239672.html |title='Father of the PlayStation' adopts new start up |first=Tom |last=Magrino |date=November 11, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=August 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303103306/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6239672.html |archive-date=March 3, 2010 }}

File:Nintendo Playstation Prototype (26398121058).jpg with a built-in CD-ROM drive{{Cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Dwayne |date=2025-03-20 |title=PlayStation Co-Creator Still Has a “Nintendo PlayStation” Prototype -- Which Is Wild To Witness |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/playstation-co-creator-ken-kutaragi-still-has-a-nintendo-playstation-prototype-which-is-wild-to-witness/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}]]

Until 1991, Sony had little direct involvement with the video game industry. The company supplied components for other consoles, such as the sound chip for the Super Famicom from Nintendo, and operated a video game studio, Sony Imagesoft.{{cite book|last1=DeMaria|first1=Rusel|last2=Wilson|first2=Johnny L.|title=High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games|date=2003|publisher=McGraw-Hill/Osborne|location=New York|isbn=0-07-223172-6|page=376|edition=2}} As part of a joint project between Nintendo and Sony that began as early as 1988, the two companies worked to create a CD-ROM version of the Super Famicom,"Game Over", by David Scheff though Nintendo denied the existence of the Sony deal as late as March 1991.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1991&pub=2&id=83 | title=Celebrating Software | magazine=Computer Gaming World | date=June 1991 | access-date=November 17, 2013 | page=64 | archive-date=December 3, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004050/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1991&pub=2&id=83 | url-status=live }} At the Consumer Electronics Show in June 1991, Sony revealed a Super Famicom with a built-in CD-ROM drive that incorporated Green Book technology or CD-i, called "Play Station" (also known as SNES-CD). However, a day after the announcement at CES, Nintendo announced that it would be breaking its partnership with Sony, opting to go with Philips instead but using the same technology.{{cite magazine |date=April 24, 2009 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-playstation/ |title=The Making Of: PlayStation |author=Edge Staff |magazine=Edge Online |publisher=Edge Magazine |access-date=February 2, 2014 |archive-date=February 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206193956/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-playstation/ |url-status=live }} The deal was broken by Nintendo after they were unable to come to an agreement on how revenue would be split between the two companies. The breaking of the partnership infuriated Sony President Norio Ohga, who responded by appointing Kutaragi with the responsibility of developing the PlayStation project to rival Nintendo.

At that time, negotiations were still on-going between Nintendo and Sony, with Nintendo offering Sony a "non-gaming role" regarding their new partnership with Philips. This proposal was swiftly rejected by Kutaragi who was facing increasing criticism over his work with regard to entering the video game industry from within Sony. Negotiations officially ended in May 1992 and in order to decide the fate of the PlayStation project, a meeting was held in June 1992, consisting of Sony President Ohga, PlayStation Head Kutaragi and several senior members of Sony's board. At the meeting, Kutaragi unveiled a proprietary CD-ROM-based system he had been working on which involved playing video games with 3D graphics to the board. Eventually, Sony President Ohga decided to retain the project after being reminded by Kutaragi of the humiliation he suffered from Nintendo. Nevertheless, due to strong opposition from a majority present at the meeting as well as widespread internal opposition to the project by the older generation of Sony executives, Kutaragi and his team had to be shifted from Sony's headquarters to Sony Music, a completely separate financial entity owned by Sony, so as to retain the project and maintain relationships with Philips for the MMCD development project (which helped lead to the creation of the DVD).

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| footer = Original PlayStation logo introduced in 1994 (left); this version had been primarily marketed until the introduction of a monochrome variant in 2009 (right)

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According to SCE's producer Ryoji Akagawa and chairman Shigeo Maruyama, there was uncertainty over whether the console should primarily focus on 2D sprite graphics or 3D polygon graphics. Eventually, after witnessing the success of Sega's Virtua Fighter in Japanese arcades, that Sony realized "the direction of the PlayStation became instantly clear" and 3D polygon graphics became the console's primary focus.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/09/how-virtua-fighter-saved-playstations-bacon/|title=How Virtua Fighter Saved PlayStation's Bacon|date=September 5, 2012|magazine=WIRED|access-date=March 11, 2017|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014093913/http://www.wired.com/2012/09/how-virtua-fighter-saved-playstations-bacon/|url-status=live}}

The PlayStation logo was designed by Manabu Sakamoto. He wanted the logo to capture the 3D support of the console, but instead of just adding apparent depth to the letters "P" and "S", he created an optical illusion that suggested the letters in depth of space. Sakamoto also stuck with four bright principal colors, red, yellow, green, and blue, only having to tune the green color for better harmony across the logo. Sakamoto also designed the black and white logo based on the same design, reserved for times where colors could not be used.

File:Sony Computer Entertainment logo (No Trademark).svg

At Sony Music Entertainment, Kutaragi worked closely with Shigeo Maruyama, the CEO of Sony Music, and with Akira Sato to form Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) on November 16, 1993.{{cite web|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/history_e.html|title=Corporate History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117132131/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/history_e.html |archive-date=January 17, 2011|website=Sony Computer Entertainment|access-date=August 14, 2010}} A building block of SCEI was its initial partnership with Sony Music which helped SCEI attract creative talent to the company as well as assist SCEI in manufacturing, marketing and producing discs, something that Sony Music had been doing with Music Discs. The final two key members of SCEI were Terry Tokunaka, the president of SCEI from Sony's headquarters, and Olaf Olafsson. Olafsson was CEO and president of New York-based Sony Interactive Entertainment{{cite journal|title=75 Power Players: The Heavyweight|journal=Next Generation|issue=11|publisher=Imagine Media|date=November 1995|page=58}} which was the parent company for the 1994-founded Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA).

The PlayStation project, SCEI's first official project, was finally given the green light by Sony executives in 1993 after a few years of development. Also in 1993, Phil Harrison, who later became President of SCE Worldwide Studios, was recruited into SCEI to attract developers and publishers to produce games for their new PlayStation platform.

Computer Gaming World in March 1994 reported a rumor that the "Sony PS-X" would be released in Japan "before the end of this year and will retail for less than $400".{{Cite magazine

|last=O'Riley

|first=Liam Thomas

|date=March 1994

|title=A Portrait Of The Journalist As A Dirty Old Man

|department=The Rumor Bag

|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1994&pub=2&id=116

|magazine=Computer Gaming World

|page=186

|access-date=November 10, 2017

|archive-date=November 10, 2017

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110115305/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1994&pub=2&id=116

|url-status=live

}} After a demonstration of Sony's distribution plan as well as tech demos of its new console to game publishers and developers in a hotel in Tokyo in 1994, numerous developers began to approach PlayStation. Two of whom later became major partners were Electronic Arts in the West and Namco in Japan. One of the factors which attracted developers to the platform was the use of a 3D-capable, CD-ROM-based console which was much cheaper and easier to manufacture for in comparison to Nintendo's rival console, which used cartridge systems. The project eventually hit Japanese stores in December 1994 and gained massive sales due to its lower price point than its competitor, the Sega Saturn. The popularity of the console spread after its release worldwide in North America and Europe.

{{main|PlayStation (console)}}

File:PlayStation-SCPH-1000-with-Controller.jpg]]

The original PlayStation, released in Japan on December 3, 1994, was the first of the ubiquitous PlayStation series of console and hand-held game devices. It has included successor consoles and upgrades including the Net Yaroze (a special black PlayStation with tools and instructions to program PlayStation games and applications), "PS one" (a smaller version of the original) and the PocketStation (a handheld which enhances PlayStation games and also acts as a memory card). It was part of the fifth generation of video game consoles competing against the Sega Saturn and the Nintendo 64. By December 2003, the PlayStation and PS one had shipped a combined total of 102.49 million units, eventually becoming the first video game console to sell 120 million units.{{cite press release|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/051130e.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823155448/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/051130e.pdf |archive-date=August 23, 2009 |title=PlayStation 2 Breaks Record as the Fastest Computer Entertainment Platform to Reach Cumulative Shipment of 120 Million Units |date=November 30, 2005 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=June 8, 2008 |url-status=dead }}

{{main|PlayStation models#PS One}}

Released on July 7, 2000,{{cite web | url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=98&NewsAreaID=22 | title=SCEE 2000—Key Facts and Figures | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070919215408/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=98&NewsAreaID=22|archive-date=September 19, 2007| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe | access-date=November 25, 2006}} concurrently with its successor the PlayStation 2, the PS One (stylized as PS one) was a considerably smaller, redesigned version of the original PlayStation video game console.{{cite web | title = Sony PSone sales rocket as PS Two famine continues | publisher = theregister.co.uk | last = Smith | first = Tony | url = https://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/12/06/sony_ps_one_sales_rocket/ | date = December 6, 2000 | access-date = January 17, 2011 | archive-date = May 22, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090522232118/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/12/06/sony_ps_one_sales_rocket/ | url-status = live }} The PS one went on to outsell all other consoles, including its successor, throughout the remainder of the year. It featured two main changes from its predecessor, the first being a cosmetic change to the console and the second being the home menu's graphical user interface (GUI); a variation of the GUI previously used only on PAL consoles up to that point.

{{main|PlayStation 2}}

File:Sony-PlayStation-2-30001-wController-L.jpg controller]]

Released in 2000, 15 months after the Dreamcast and a year before its other competitors, the Xbox and the GameCube, the PlayStation 2 is part of the sixth generation of video game consoles, and is backwards-compatible with most original PlayStation games. Like its predecessor, it has received a slimmer redesign. It is the most successful console in the world,{{cite web |url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/02/15/date-xbox-marry-wii-kill-playstation.aspx |title=PS2 on fool.com |author=Rick Aristotle Munarriz |date=February 15, 2007 |publisher=fool.com |access-date=August 11, 2010 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121021209/https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/02/15/date-xbox-marry-wii-kill-playstation.aspx |url-status=live }} having sold over 155 million units as of December 28, 2012.{{cite web |date=January 7, 2013 |title=NeoGAF |url=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507135 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827050425/http://neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507135 |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2017}} 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. This achievement occurred faster than its predecessor, the PlayStation, which took "9 years and 6 months since launch" to reach the same figure. PlayStation 2 shipments in Japan ended on December 28, 2012.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/28026636.html|script-title=ja:プレイステーション2の日本国内での出荷が本日（2012年12月28日）で完了|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Enterbrain|language=ja|date=December 28, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2012|archive-date=December 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228160601/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/28026636.html|url-status=live}} The Guardian reported on January 4, 2013, that PS2 production had ended worldwide, but studies showed that many people all around the world still own one even if it is no longer in use. PlayStation 2 has been ranked as the best selling console of all time as of 2015.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jan/04/playstation-2-manufacture-ends-years?INTCMP=SRCH|title=PlayStation 2 manufacture ends after 12 years|newspaper=The Guardian|date=January 4, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921084712/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jan/04/playstation-2-manufacture-ends-years?INTCMP=SRCH|url-status=live}}

{{main|PlayStation 2 models#Slimline case designs}}

Released in 2004, four years after the launch of the original PlayStation 2, the PlayStation 2 Slimline was the first major redesign of the PlayStation 2. Compared to its predecessor, the Slimline was smaller, thinner, quieter and also included a built-in Ethernet port (in some markets it also has an integrated modem). In 2007, Sony began shipping a revision of the Slimline which was lighter than the original Slimline together with a lighter AC adapter.{{cite web | last =Gantayat | first =Anoop | title =PS2 Gets Lighter | website =IGN.com | date =June 8, 2007 | url =http://ps2.ign.com/articles/802/802262p1.html | access-date =February 10, 2015 | archive-date =August 9, 2007 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070809071219/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/802/802262p1.html | url-status =live }} In 2008, Sony released yet another revision of the Slimline which had an overhauled internal design incorporating the power supply into the console itself like the original PlayStation 2 resulting in a further reduced total weight of the console.{{cite web|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/071106ae.html |title=PlayStation 2 (SCPH-90000 SERIES) comes in a new design and in three color variations |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=March 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430174248/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/071106ae.html |archive-date=April 30, 2010 }}

{{main|PlayStation 3}}

File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-wController-L.jpg controller]]

Released on November 11, 2006, in Japan, the PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a seventh generation game console from Sony. It competes with the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii. The PS3 is the first console in the series to introduce the use of motion-sensing technology through its Sixaxis wireless controller. The console also incorporates a Blu-ray Disc player and features high-definition resolution. The PS3 was originally offered with either a 20 GB or 60 GB hard drive, but over the years its capacity increased in increments available up to 500 GB. The PlayStation 3 has sold over 80 million consoles worldwide as of November 2013.{{cite magazine|title=Now PS3 sales reach 80m units|date=November 6, 2013|magazine=MCV|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/now-ps3-sales-reach-80m-units/0123822|access-date=November 6, 2013|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301165920/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/now-ps3-sales-reach-80m-units/0123822|url-status=live}}

Like its predecessors, the PlayStation 3 was re-released in 2009 as a "slim" model. The redesigned model is 33% smaller, 36% lighter, and consumes 34% to 45% less power than previous models.{{cite news|title=Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!) |publisher=Engadget |first=Paul |last=Miller |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-debuts-slimmer-ps3/ |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820184619/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/sony-debuts-slimmer-ps3/ |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/playstation-3-slim-review/ |title=PlayStation 3 Slim review |first=Ross |last=Miller |date=August 27, 2009 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL Tech |access-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-date=August 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828102032/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/playstation-3-slim-review/ |url-status=live }} [PlayStation 3 Slim review] In addition, it features a redesigned cooling system and a smaller Cell processor which was moved to a 45nm manufacturing process. It sold in excess of a million units within its first 3 weeks on sale.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-ps3-has-sold-over-one-million|title=New PS3 has sold over one million|website=Eurogamer|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=November 7, 2009|archive-date=October 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015012018/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-ps3-has-sold-over-one-million|url-status=live}} The redesign also features support for CEC (more commonly referred to by its manufacturer brandings of BraviaSync, VIERA Link, EasyLink and others) which allows control of the console over HDMI by using the remote control as the controller. The PS3 slim also runs quieter and is cooler than previous models due to its 45 nm Cell. The PS3 Slim no longer has the "main power" switch (similar to PlayStation 2 slim), like the previous PS3 models, which was located at the back of the console. It was officially released on September 1, 2009, in North America and Europe and on September 3, 2009, in Japan, Australia and New Zealand.{{cite news |title=Entertainment on PS3 has a new look |publisher=PlayStation AU |url=http://au.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229652/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 24, 2009 |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821180246/http://au.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229652/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Sony officially announces $299 PS3 Slim |publisher=cnet |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html |first=David |last=Carnoy |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617033225/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html |url-status=dead }}

In 2012, Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3. The new console, with a completely redesigned case that has a sliding door covering the disc drive (which has been moved to the top of the console), is 4.3 pounds, almost three pounds lighter than the previous "slim" model. The console comes with either 12 GB flash memory or a 250 GB, 500 GB hard drive. Several bundles which include a Super Slim PS3 and a selection of games are available.

{{main|PlayStation 4}}

File:PS4-Console-wDS4.jpg controller]]

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) was announced by Sony Computer Entertainment at a press conference on February 20, 2013. In the meeting, Sony revealed some hardware specifications of the new console.{{cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/2/20/4009410/sony-playstation-4-ps4-announcement | title=Sony announces the PlayStation 4 | work=TheVerge | date=February 20, 2013 | access-date=February 20, 2013 | author=Bishop, Bryan | archive-date=December 7, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207150052/http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/20/4009410/sony-playstation-4-ps4-announcement | url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/gaming/consoles/ps4-release-date-news-and-features-937822|title=The PlayStation 4 has been officially revealed in New York!|last=Rivington|first=James|date=February 20, 2013|work=TechRadar|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426090607/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/gaming/consoles/ps4-release-date-news-and-features-937822|archive-date=April 26, 2013|url-status=dead}} It introduced the x86 architecture to the PlayStation series. According to lead system architect, Mark Cerny, development on the PlayStation 4 began as early as 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/playstation-4-revealed|title=PlayStation 4 Revealed|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|date=February 20, 2013|website=IGN|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=May 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517085150/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/playstation-4-revealed|url-status=live}} PlayStation Europe CEO Jim Ryan emphasized in 2011 that Sony wanted to avoid launching the next-generation console behind the competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-23-sony-it-would-be-undesirable-for-ps4-to-launch-significantly-later-than-the-competition|title=Sony: it would be "undesirable" for PS4 to launch significantly later than the competition|last=Minkley|first=Johnny|date=November 23, 2011|website=Eurogamer|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=November 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125013817/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-23-sony-it-would-be-undesirable-for-ps4-to-launch-significantly-later-than-the-competition|url-status=live}}

Among the new applications and services, Sony introduced the PlayStation App, allowing PS4 owners to turn smartphones and tablets into a second screen to enhance gameplay.{{cite news|title=SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC. INTRODUCES PLAYSTATION 4 (PS4) |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/130221a_e.html |access-date=February 25, 2013 |date=February 21, 2013 |author=Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424075309/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/130221a_e.html |archive-date=April 24, 2013 }} The company also planned to debut PlayStation Now game streaming service, powered by technology from Gaikai.{{cite web|title=PlayStation Now: Bringing Game Streaming to Consoles|url=http://us.playstation.com/playstationnow/|access-date=April 23, 2014|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702152136/http://us.playstation.com/playstationnow/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Jackson|first=Mike|title=Gaikai tech brings spectating, instant demos, more to PS4|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/392446/gaikai-tech-brings-spectating-instant-demos-more-to-ps4/|access-date=February 25, 2013|date=February 20, 2013|archive-date=May 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509010917/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/392446/gaikai-tech-brings-spectating-instant-demos-more-to-ps4/|url-status=live}} By incorporating a share button on the new controller and making it possible to view in-game content being streamed live from friends, Sony planned to place more focus on social gameplay as well. The PlayStation 4 was first released in North America on November 15, 2013. As part of the eighth generation of video game consoles, it competes with Microsoft's Xbox One and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch.

PlayStation 4 Slim (officially marketed simply as PlayStation 4 or PS4) was unveiled on September 7, 2016. It is a revision of the original PS4 hardware with a streamlined form factor. The new casing is 40% smaller and carries a rounded body with a matte finish on the top of the console rather than a two-tone finish. The two USB ports on the front have a larger gap between them, and the optical audio port was also removed.^[168] It ships with a minor update to the DualShock 4 controller, with the light bar visible through the top of the touchpad and dark matte grey coloured exterior instead of a partially shiny black. The PS4 Slim was released on September 15, 2016, with a 500 GB model at the same price point as the original PS4 model.^[169] Its model number is CUH-2000.^[170]

PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 Pro for short (originally announced under the codename Neo)^[35] was unveiled on September 7, 2016. Its model number is CUH-7000.^[170] It is an updated version of the PlayStation 4 with improved hardware, including an upgraded GPU with 4.2 teraflops of processing power, and higher CPU clock. It is designed primarily to enable selected games to be playable at 4K resolution, and improved quality for PlayStation VR. All games are backwards and forward compatible between PS4 and PS4 Pro, but games with optimizations will have improved graphics performance on PS4 Pro. Although capable of streaming 4K video from online sources, PS4 Pro does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray.^{[171] [172] [173]} Additionally the PS4 Pro is the only PS4 model which can remote play at 1080p. The other models are limited to 720p.^[174]

{{main|PlayStation 5}}

File:Black and white Playstation 5 base edition with controller.png disc drive and a DualSense controller]]

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) was released worldwide on November 12, 2020, and, alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S, released the same month, is part of the ninth generation of video game consoles. The first news of the PS5 came from Mark Cerny in an interview with Wired in April 2019. Sony intended for the PlayStation 5 to be its next-generation console and planned to ship it worldwide by the end of 2020. In early 2019, Sony's financial report for the quarter ending March 31, 2019, affirmed that new next-generation hardware was in development but would ship no earlier than April 2020.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/26/18517612/sony-playstation-5-launch-date-comments-rumors | title = Sony: PlayStation 5 won't launch in the next 12 months | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = April 26, 2019 | access-date = April 26, 2019 | work = The Verge | archive-date = April 26, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190426120652/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/26/18517612/sony-playstation-5-launch-date-comments-rumors | url-status = live }}

The current specifications were released in October 2019. The console uses an 8-core, 16-thread CPU based on AMD's Zen 2 microarchitecture, manufactured on the 7 nanometer process node. The graphics processor is a custom variant of AMD's Navi family using the RDNA microarchitecture, which includes support for hardware acceleration of ray-tracing rendering, enabling real-time ray-traced graphics. The new console ships with a custom SSD storage, as Cerny emphasized the need for fast loading times and higher bandwidth to make games more immersive, as well as to support the required content streaming from disc for 8K resolution. In a second interview with Wired in October 2019, 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;{{Cite web|last=Square|first=Push|date=2020-07-13|title=PS5 and 4K UHD Blu-rays: Can PlayStation 5 Play Them?|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/guides/ps5-and-4k-uhd-blu-rays-can-playstation-5-play-them|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Push Square|language=en-GB|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418032431/https://www.pushsquare.com/guides/ps5-and-4k-uhd-blu-rays-can-playstation-5-play-them|url-status=live}} while a game installation from a disc is mandatory as to take advantage of the SSD, the user will have some fine-grain control of how much they want to have installed, such as only installing multiplayer components of a game.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-playstation-5/ | title = Exclusive: A Deeper Look at the PlayStation 5 | first = Peter | last = Rubin | date = October 8, 2019 | access-date = October 8, 2019 | magazine = Wired | archive-date = October 8, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191008121717/https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-playstation-5/ | url-status = live }} Sony is developing an improved suspended gameplay state for the PlayStation 5 to consume less energy than the PlayStation 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-23-ps5-wont-waste-as-much-energy-as-ps4-sony-says|title=PS5 won't waste as much energy as PS4, Sony says|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|work=Eurogamer|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924031533/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-23-ps5-wont-waste-as-much-energy-as-ps4-sony-says|url-status=live}}

The system's new controller, the DualSense has adaptive triggers that can change the resistance to the player as necessary, such as changing the resistance during the action of pulling an arrow back in a bow in-game. The controller also has strong haptic feedback through voice coil actuators, which together with an improved controller speaker is intended to give better in-game feedback. USB-C connectivity, together with a higher rated battery are other improvements to the new controller.

The PlayStation 5 features a completely revamped user interface.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps5s-improved-ui-will-let-you-see-whats-happening-/1100-6470406/|title=PS5's Improved UI Will Let You See What's Happening In Games Without Opening Them|last=Knezevic|first=Kevin|work=GameSpot|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=October 8, 2019|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008172012/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps5s-improved-ui-will-let-you-see-whats-happening-/1100-6470406/|url-status=live}} The PlayStation 5 is backwards-compatible with most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games, with Cerny stating that the transition to the new console is meant to be a soft one.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-sony-next-gen-console/ | title = Exclusive: What to Expect From Sony's Next-Gen PlayStation | first = Peter | last = Rubin | date = April 16, 2019 | access-date = April 16, 2019 | magazine = Wired | archive-date = April 21, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190421080115/https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-sony-next-gen-console/ | url-status = live }}{{citation | language = ja | url = https://www.sie.com/corporate/release/2019/191008.html | publisher = Sony Interactive Entertainment | date = 8 Oct 2019 | title = 次世代コンソールゲーム機 「プレイステーション 5」に名称決定 | trans-title = Next generation game console named "PlayStation 5" | type = press release | access-date = October 9, 2019 | archive-date = October 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191009080835/https://www.sie.com/corporate/release/2019/191008.html | url-status = live }} In a later interview, Jim Ryan talked of the PlayStation 5 being able to play "99%" of PlayStation 4 games, an estimate derived from a sample size of "thousands".{{Cite web|last=Tabari|first=Rami|date=September 17, 2020|title=PS5 confirmed to be backwards compatible with '99%' of PS4 games Sony tested|url=https://www.laptopmag.com/news/ps5-confirmed-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-99-of-ps4-games-sony-tested|access-date=2020-09-28|website=LaptopMag|language=en|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026165032/https://www.laptopmag.com/news/ps5-confirmed-to-be-backwards-compatible-with-99-of-ps4-games-sony-tested|url-status=live}}

A revised slimmer design for the PS5, similar to past "slim" rereleases, was released in October 2023. Besides the slimmer design, the slim model features 1 TB of internal storage and replaces one of the USB-A ports with USB-C. The base version also removes the internal optical disc drive, replaced by an external drive.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2023-10-10 |title=Sony's new PS5 with a removable disc drive launches in November |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/10/23831415/new-ps5-model-removable-disc-drive-sony-price-release-date |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

The PlayStation 5 Pro was released in November 2024. 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.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Sony announces the $700 PS5 Pro with a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and AI upscaling |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/10/24167932/ps5-pro-sony-specs-announcement |website=The Verge |language=en-US |access-date=September 11, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Sony officially unveils PlayStation 5 Pro, releasing in November for $700/£700 |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-officially-unveils-playstation-5-pro/ |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en-GB |access-date=September 11, 2024}} Games are able to take advantage of the improved graphical performance if programmed for it, with about 50 games ready to use this feature at launch.

{{Clear}}

{{main|PlayStation Portable}}

File:Psp-1000.jpg|The original PlayStation Portable (PSP-1000)

File:PSP-2000.jpg|PSP-2000

File:PSP-3000-Silver.jpg|PSP-3000

File:PSP-Go-FL-Open.jpg|PSP Go
(open position)

File:PSP E1000 illustration.svg|PSP Street (PSP-E1000)

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first handheld console to compete with Nintendo's DS console. The original model (PSP-1000) was released in December 2004 and March 2005,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/24/news_6121009.html |title=The US PSP Launch |date=March 24, 2005 |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |website=GameSpot |access-date=March 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701071054/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/24/news_6121009.html |archive-date=July 1, 2007 }} The console is the first to utilize a new proprietary optical storage medium known as Universal Media Disc (UMD), which can store both games and movies.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/ |title=E3 2003: PSP Press Release |date=December 31, 2003 |publisher=gamedaily.com |access-date=March 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323190851/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/ |archive-date=March 23, 2008 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html| title=Support — PSP — Movies| publisher="Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080805044147/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html |archive-date=August 5, 2008}} It contains 32 MB of internal flash memory storage, expandable via Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.{{cite web|title=New PSP Slim Coming September, Kinda Looks the Same|url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/breaking/new-psp-slim-coming-september-kinda-looks-the-same-277336.php|first=Brian|last=Lam|work=Gizmodo |access-date=October 16, 2007|date=July 11, 2007|archive-date=October 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015050335/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/breaking/new-psp-slim-coming-september-kinda-looks-the-same-277336.php|url-status=live}} It has a similar control layout to the PS3 with its PlayStation logo button and its File:PlayStationTriangle.svg ('Triangle'), File:PlayStationCircle.svg ('Circle/O'), File:PlayStationX.svg ('Cross/X') and File:PlayStationSquare.svg ('Square') buttons in their white-colored forms.

The PSP-2000 (also known as the Slim & Lite in PAL territories) was the first major hardware revision of the PlayStation Portable, released in September 2007. The 2000 series was 33% lighter and 19% slimmer than the original PlayStation Portable.{{cite web|url=http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item71810/Get-the-skinny!/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715121653/http://uk.playstation.com/psp/news/articles/detail/item71810/Get-the-skinny%21/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 15, 2007 |title=Get the skinny! |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |date=July 12, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2008 }}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1281301 |title=Under the Hood: Sony Playstation Portable slims down |first=Gregory A. |last=Quirk |magazine=EE Times |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2008 |archive-date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419180604/http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1281301 |url-status=live }} The capacity of the battery was also reduced by ⅓ but the run time remained the same as the previous model due to lower power consumption. Older model batteries will still work and they extend the amount of playing time.PlayStation Portable Safety and Support Manual The PSP Slim & Lite has a new gloss finish. Its serial port was also modified in order to accommodate a new video-out feature (while rendering older PSP remote controls incompatible). On a PSP-2000, PSP games will only output to external monitors or TVs in progressive scan mode, so that televisions incapable of supporting progressive scan will not display PSP games; non-game video will output in either progressive or interlaced mode. USB charging was also made possible.{{cite web |title=Hands on with PSP Slim |date=July 12, 2007 |publisher=pocketgamer.co.UK |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Sony+PSP/news.asp?c=3606 |access-date=July 22, 2007 |archive-date=July 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714215451/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Sony+PSP/news.asp?c=3606 |url-status=live }} Buttons are also reportedly more responsive on the PSP-2000.{{cite web|title=E3 07: Redesigned Sony PSP Hands-On |publisher=GameSpot.com |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6173974/index.html?tag=topslot;title;1 |access-date=July 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828051023/http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6173974/index.html?tag=topslot%3Btitle%3B1 |archive-date=August 28, 2007 }} In 2008, Sony released a second hardware revision 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.

Released in October 2009, the PSP Go is the biggest redesign of the PlayStation Portable to date. Unlike previous PSP models, the PSP Go does not feature a UMD drive but instead has 16 GB of internal flash memory to store games, videos and other media.{{cite web|url=http://eurogamer.net/articles/sony-qore-accidentally-outs-psp-go|title=Sony Qore accidentally outs PSP Go|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=May 30, 2009|website=EuroGamer|page=1|access-date=May 30, 2009|archive-date=June 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602064621/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sony-qore-accidentally-outs-psp-go|url-status=live}} This can be extended by up to 32 GB with the use of a Memory Stick Micro (M2) flash card. Also unlike previous PSP models, the PSP Go's rechargeable battery is not removable or replaceable by the user. The unit is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000, and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2009/06/27/uk-exclusive-more-pspgo-details/|title=UK Exclusive: More PSPgo Details|work=TheSixthAxis |date=June 27, 2009|access-date=March 28, 2010|archive-date=June 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603072159/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2009/06/27/uk-exclusive-more-pspgo-details/|url-status=live |author1=Watchful }} It has a 3.8" 480 × 272 LCD{{cite web|url=http://us.playstation.com/psp/systems/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201043729/http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/Systems |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |title=PSP systems |author=Sony Computer Entertainment America Staff |work=PlayStation.com |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |access-date=July 26, 2010 }} (compared to the larger 4.3" 480 × 272 pixel LCD on previous PSP models).{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/e3-2009/5417556/Sony-PSP-Details-of-new-Go-console-leak-ahead-of-E3.html |title=Sony PSP: Details of new Go console leak ahead of E3 |first=Claudine |last=Beaumont |date=May 31, 2009 |work=Telegraph.co.uk |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=July 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606061422/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/e3-2009/5417556/Sony-PSP-Details-of-new-Go-console-leak-ahead-of-E3.html |archive-date=June 6, 2009 }} The screen slides up to reveal the main controls. The overall shape and sliding mechanism are similar to that of Sony's mylo COM-2 internet device.{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/5273258/so-the-psp-go-is-basically-a-sony-mylo-2-with-gaming-then|title=So the PSP Go Is Basically a Sony Mylo 2 With Gaming Then?|first=Jason|last=Chen|date=May 30, 2009|website=Gizmodo|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129132428/https://gizmodo.com/5273258/so-the-psp-go-is-basically-a-sony-mylo-2-with-gaming-then|url-status=live}} The PSP Go was produced and sold concurrently with its predecessor the PSP-3000 although it did not replace it.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5273208/qore-lets-slip-the-first-look-at-psp-go |title=Qore Lets Slip the First Look at PSP Go |first=Owen |last=Good |date=May 30, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113165351/https://kotaku.com/5273208/qore-lets-slip-the-first-look-at-psp-go |url-status=live }} All games on the PSP Go must be purchased and downloaded from the PlayStation Store as the handheld is not compatible with the original PSP's physical media, the Universal Media Disc. The handheld also features connectivity with the PlayStation 3's controllers the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 via Bluetooth connection.

The PSP Street (also known as the PSP-E1000) is a budget-focused PSP model which, unlike previous PSP models, does not feature Wi-Fi or stereo speakers (replaced by a single mono speaker){{cite web|author=Skipper |url=http://www.technorotic.com/2011/08/sony-has-introduced-psp-e1000-and-slashed-price-of-ps3/ |title=Sony has Introduced PSP-E1000 and Slashed Price of PS3 |publisher=Technorotic.com |date=August 18, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912080229/http://www.technorotic.com/2011/08/sony-has-introduced-psp-e1000-and-slashed-price-of-ps3/ |archive-date=September 12, 2011 }} and has a matte "charcoal black" finish similar to the slim PlayStation 3.{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/08/16/new-psp-announced-at-gamescom-2011/ |title=New PSP Announced At Gamescom 2011 – PlayStation.Blog.Europe |publisher=Blog.eu.playstation.com |date=April 15, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2011 |archive-date=September 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921140116/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/08/16/new-psp-announced-at-gamescom-2011/ |url-status=live }} The E1000 was announced at Gamescom 2011 and available across the PAL region for an RRP of €99.99.

{{main|PlayStation Vita}}

{{multiple image

|align = right

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| total_width = 200

| image1 = PlayStation-Vita-1101-FL.jpg

| caption1 = The original PlayStation Vita (PCH-1000)

| image2 = PlayStation-Vita-2001-FL.jpg

| caption2 = The second generation PS Vita system, PCH-2000

}}

Released in Japan on December 17, 2011, and North America on February 22, 2012,{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/18/get-ready-ps-vita-is-coming-february-22nd|title=Get Ready: PS Vita is Coming To the United Kingdom and North America at February 22nd – PlayStation Blog|date=October 18, 2011|access-date=October 19, 2011|publisher=Sony|work=PlayStation Blog|archive-date=October 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020091527/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/18/get-ready-ps-vita-is-coming-february-22nd/|url-status=live}} the PlayStation Vita{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-07-ngp-playstation-vita-european-price|title=NGP becomes PlayStation Vita|website=Eurogamer|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=June 7, 2011|archive-date=June 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610123821/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-06-07-ngp-playstation-vita-european-price|url-status=live}} was previously codenamed Next Generation Portable (NGP). It was officially unveiled by Sony on January 27, 2011, at the PlayStation Meeting 2011.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/the-sony-psp2/ | title = Sony's next PSP, codenamed NGP | first = Vlad | last = Savov | date = January 27, 2011 | work = Engadget | publisher = AOL | access-date = July 2, 2011 | archive-date = March 15, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120315040053/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/the-sony-psp2 | url-status = live }} The original model of the handheld, the PCH-1000 series features a 5-inch OLED touchscreen,{{cite web|url=http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/3617/ps-vita-2000-lcd-display-compared-to-oled-display-in-the-ps-vita-1000.html|title=PS Vita 2000 LCD Compared To OLED Display In The PS Vita 1000|work=NextPowerUp|access-date=October 20, 2014|archive-date=November 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122054847/http://www.nextpowerup.com/news/3617/ps-vita-2000-lcd-display-compared-to-oled-display-in-the-ps-vita-1000.html|url-status=dead}} two analog sticks, a rear touchpad, Sixaxis motion sensing and a 4 core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor.

The new PCH-2000 series system is a lighter redesign of the device that was announced at the SCEJA Press Conference in September 2013 prior to the Tokyo Game Show. This model is 20% thinner and 15% lighter compared to the original model, has an additional hour of battery life, an LCD instead of OLED, includes a micro USB Type B port, 1 GB of internal storage memory. It was released in Japan on October 10, 2013, in six colors: white, black, pink, yellow, blue, and olive green, and in North America on May 6, 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-vita-slim-confirmed-for-us-updated/1100-6417646/ |title=New PS Vita Model Confirmed for US, Included in Borderlands 2 Bundle |first=John |last=Koller |date=February 10, 2014 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=February 12, 2014 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603015550/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-vita-slim-confirmed-for-us-updated/1100-6417646/ |url-status=live }}

The Vita was discontinued in March 2019. SIE president Jim Ryan said that while the Vita was a great device, they have moved away from portable consoles, "clearly it's a business that we're no longer in now".{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2019/12/03/the-first-25-years | title = PlayStation: The First 25 Years | first = Jeff | last = Cork | date = December 3, 2019 | access-date = December 3, 2019 | magazine = Game Informer | archive-date = May 30, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200530131808/https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2019/12/03/the-first-25-years | url-status = live }}

{{main|PlayStation Portal}}

In early 2023, Sony announced the development of a new portable system (originally announced under the codename Project Q) that can stream PS5 games from a home console, and on August 23, 2023, it was officially unveiled as PlayStation Portal.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-23 |title=PlayStation's first Remote Play dedicated device, PlayStation Portal remote player, to launch later this year at $199.99 |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2023/08/23/playstations-first-remote-play-dedicated-device-playstation-portal-remote-player-to-launch-later-this-year-at-199-99/ |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=PlayStation.Blog |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/05/sony-confirms-playstation-q-a-handheld-device-for-streaming-ps5-games/ |publisher=Ars Technica |date=2023-05-24 |accessdate=2023-05-26 |language=en-US |title=Sony confirms "PlayStation Q," a handheld device for streaming PS5 games |last=Axon |first=Samuel |archive-date=May 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526041741/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/05/sony-confirms-playstation-q-a-handheld-device-for-streaming-ps5-games/ |url-status=live }} It released on November 15, 2023 for $199.99.

{{Main|PlayStation controller|PlayStation Analog Joystick|PlayStation Mouse|Dual Analog Controller}}

File:PSX-Original-Controller.jpg|An original PlayStation controller

File:PlayStation-Analog-Joystick.jpg|PlayStation Analog Joystick

File:PlayStation Mouse.jpg|PlayStation Mouse

File:PlayStation Dual Analog.png|Dual Analog controller

Released in 1994, the PlayStation control pad was the first controller made for the original PlayStation. It featured a basic design of a D-pad, 4 main select buttons (File:PlayStationTriangle.svg ('Green Triangle'), File:PlayStationCircle.svg ('Red Circle/Red O')), File:PlayStationX.svg ('Blue Cross/Blue X') and File:PlayStationSquare.svg ('Pink Square'), and start and select buttons on the face. 'Shoulder buttons' are also featured on the top [L1, L2, R1, R2] (named by the side [L=Left, R=Right] and 1 and 2 [top and bottom]). In 1996, Sony released the PlayStation Analog Joystick for use with flight simulation games.{{cite web |url=http://maru-chang.com/hard/scph/index.php/english |title=SCPH |publisher=Maru-chang.com |access-date=August 13, 2012 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719175706/https://maru-chang.com/hard/scph/index.php/english/ |url-status=live }} The original digital controller was then replaced by the Dual Analog in 1997, which added two analog sticks based on the same potentiometer technology as the Analog Joystick.{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=April 3, 1997 | title=Analog Joypad To Go On Sale In Japan | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062422p1.html | work=IGN.com | access-date=July 4, 2008 | archive-date=February 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211094056/http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062422p1.html | url-status=live }} This controller was then also succeeded by the DualShock controller.

{{Main|DualShock|Sixaxis|DualSense}}

File:PSX-DualShock-Controller.jpg|An original DualShock controller

File:DualShock 2.jpg|DualShock 2 controller

File:PlayStation3-Sixaxis.jpg|Sixaxis controller

File:DualShock 3.jpg|DualShock 3 controller

File:DualShock 4.jpg|DualShock 4 controller

File:Playstation DualSense Controller.png|DualSense controller

File:DualSense Edge Controller.jpg|DualSense Edge controller

Released in 1998, the DualShock controller for the PlayStation succeeded its predecessor, the Dual Analog, and became the longest running series of controllers for the PlayStation brand. In addition to the inputs of the original, digital, controller (File:PlayStationTriangle.svg, File:PlayStationCircle.svg, File:PlayStationX.svg, File:PlayStationSquare.svg, L1, L2, R1, R2, Start, Select and a D-pad), the DualShock featured two analog sticks in a similar fashion to the previous Dual Analog controller, which can also be depressed to activate the L3 and R3 buttons.{{cite web |url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306387p1.html |title=Dual Shock 2 Review |access-date=December 7, 2008 |date=September 27, 2001 |website=IGN |quote=The biggest difference between the Dual Shock 2 and the original ... is the fact that ... all of the buttons and even the digital pad offer analog support. This means that the d-pad, the four face buttons and the four shift buttons are all pressure sensitive and have 255 degrees of sensitivity. ... It's also worth noting that the Dual Shock 2 is a bit lighter than the original Dual Shock. |archive-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515094304/http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306387p1.html |url-status=live }}

The DualShock series consists of four controllers: the DualShock which was the fourth controller released for the PlayStation; the DualShock 2, the only standard controller released for the PlayStation 2, and the DualShock 3, the second and current controller released for the PlayStation 3, and the DualShock 4, which went through a massive redesign and is the default input of the PlayStation 4, and upon release was compatible with the PS3 originally only via USB and eventually with a firmware update, Bluetooth connectivity was enabled. The Sixaxis was the first official controller for the PlayStation 3, and is based on the same design as the DualShock series (but lacking the vibration motors of the DualShock series of controllers).

Like the Dual Analog, the DualShock and DualShock 2 feature an "Analog" button between the analog sticks that toggles the analog sticks on and off (for use with games which support only the digital input of the original controller). On the PlayStation 3 Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers, the analog sticks are always enabled. Beginning with the Sixaxis, a 'PlayStation button' (which featured the incorporated PS logo and is similar in function to the Xbox 360 "Guide" button) was included on controllers. The PlayStation button replaces the "Analog" button of the DualShock and DualShock 2 controllers. Pressing the PS button on the PS3 brings up the XMB, while holding it down brings up system options, known as "Quick Menu" on the PS4, (such as quit the game, change controller settings, turn off the system, and turn off the controller).{{cite web|url=http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/gamertell-review-sony-dualshock-3-wireless-controller/ |title=Gamertell Review: Sony Dualshock 3 wireless controller |first=PJ|last=Hruschak |date=April 10, 2010 |publisher=Gamertell |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127010657/http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/gamertell-review-sony-dualshock-3-wireless-controller |archive-date=November 27, 2010 }}

{{Main|PlayStation Move}}

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PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3 video game console by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Based on the handheld motion controller wand, PlayStation Move uses the PlayStation Eye webcam to track the wand's position and the inertial sensors in the wand to detect its motion. First revealed on June 2, 2009, 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.{{cite web|title=PlayStation Move motion controller delivers a whole new entertainment experience to PlayStation 3 |url=http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100311e.html |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |date=March 10, 2010 |quote=Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that PlayStation Move motion controller for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, launches worldwide this fall [...] In fiscal year 2010 [ending March 31, 2011], SCE Worldwide Studios will also release more than 20 games that are either dedicated to or supported with the PlayStation Move platform. |access-date=March 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315171511/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/100311e.html |archive-date=March 15, 2010 }}

Although PlayStation Move is implemented on the existing PlayStation 3 console, Sony states that it is treating Move's debut as its own major "platform launch", planning an aggressive marketing campaign to support it. In addition to selling the controllers individually,{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/03/10/introducing-playstation-move/ |title=Introducing PlayStation Move |first=Mark |last=Hardy |date=March 10, 2010 |work=PlayStation Blog EU |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |access-date=March 11, 2010 |archive-date=November 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114122934/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/03/10/introducing-playstation-move/ |url-status=live }} Sony also plans to provide several different bundle options for PlayStation Move hardware; including a starter kit with a PS Eye, a Move motion controller, and a demo/sampler disc, priced under US$100;{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ps3-motion-controller-named-detailed |title=PlayStation Move unveiled |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=March 11, 2010 |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Eurogamer Network |access-date=March 11, 2010 |quote=Exact pricing and bundling information will follow soon, but in the meantime we've been told that the Move controller, PlayStation Eye camera and a starter disc with game demos will be bundled for under $100 this autumn. |archive-date=March 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312083848/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ps3-motion-controller-named-detailed |url-status=live }} a full console pack with a PS3 console, DualShock 3 gamepad, PS Eye, and Move motion controller; and bundles of a Move motion controller with select games.

{{main|PocketStation}}

The PocketStation was a Memory Card peripheral by Sony Computer Entertainment for the original PlayStation. Categorized by Sony as a combination of a Memory Card and a miniature personal digital assistant.{{cite web|url=http://scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/981008_1.pdf |script-title=ja:プレイステーションの楽しみをさらに広げる |access-date=August 28, 2008 |date=October 8, 1998 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010105257/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/981008_1.pdf |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Released exclusively in Japan on January 23, 1999,{{cite web |quote="Sony has delayed the Japanese release of its PocketStation PDA from December 23 to January 23, 1999." |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=9069 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070624090605/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=9069 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 24, 2007 |title=PocketStation delayed in Japan |access-date=August 28, 2008 |date=December 9, 1998 |work=Computer and Video Games |publisher=Future Publishing }} it featured a monochrome LCD, a speaker, a real-time clock and infrared communication capability. It could also be used as a standard PlayStation memory card by connecting it to a PlayStation memory card slot. It was extremely popular in Japan and Sony originally had plans to release it in the United States but the plan was ultimately scrapped due to various manufacturing and supply-and-demand problems.{{cite web | first=Commodore | last=Wheeler | date=May 13, 1999 | title=Pocketstation Cancelled in the US | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/1999/310.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=December 2, 2009 | archive-date=November 24, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124074713/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/1999/310.html | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=May 13, 1999 | title=PocketStation Slips Indefinitely | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/068/068059p1.html | website=IGN | access-date=December 2, 2009 | archive-date=January 14, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114054128/http://psx.ign.com/articles/068/068059p1.html | url-status=live }}

Released 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. It was later included as a pack-in bundle with the PSone called the "Combo Pack" in 2002.

{{main|PSX (DVR)}}

Released solely in Japan in 2003, the Sony PSX was a fully integrated DVR and PlayStation 2 video game console. It was the first Sony product to utilize the XrossMediaBar (XMB){{cite web|url=https://cgi.sonydrive.jp/form/enquete/psx_0005/index.html |title=聞かせて！ みんなの"PSX"生活 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |language=ja |access-date=January 4, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and can be linked with a PlayStation Portable to transfer videos and music via USB.{{cite web |url=http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/psp.html |title=ハードディスク搭載DVDレコーダー"PSX" "PSP" |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |language=ja |access-date=January 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108111620/http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/psp.html |url-status=live }} It also features software for video, photo and audio editing. PSX supports online game compatibility using an internal broadband adapter. Games that utilize the PS2 HDD (for example, Final Fantasy XI) are supported as well.{{cite web |url=http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/spec.html |title=ハードディスク搭載DVDレコーダー"PSX" |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |language=ja |access-date=January 4, 2010 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108083437/http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/spec.html |url-status=live }} It was the first product released by Sony under the PlayStation brand that did not include a controller with the device itself.{{cite web |url=http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/acc.html |title=ハードディスク搭載DVDレコーダー"PSX" Accessories |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |language=ja |access-date=January 4, 2010 |archive-date=March 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312103540/http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/product/DESR-7700_5700/acc.html |url-status=live }}

Released in 2010, the Sony BRAVIA KDL22PX300 is a 22-inch (56 cm) 720p television which incorporates a PlayStation 2 console, along with 4 HDMI ports.{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=278990 |title=PS2 News: New Sony TV features in-built PS2 - ComputerAndVideoGames.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206094012/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=278990 |archive-date=December 6, 2010 }}

A 24-inch 1080p PlayStation branded 3D television, officially called the PlayStation 3D Display, was released in late 2011. A feature of this 3D television is SimulView. During multiplayer games, each player will only see their respective screen (in full HD) appear on the television through their respective 3D glasses, instead of seeing a split screen (e.g. player 1 will only see player 1's screen displayed through their 3D glasses).

PlayTV is an add-on unit for the PlayStation 3 that allows the PS3 to act as an HDTV or DTV receiver, as well as a digital video recorder (DVR).

{{Main|Xperia Play}}

The Xperia Play is an Android-powered smartphone with a slide-up gamepad resembling the PSP Go developed by Sony Ericsson aimed at gamers and is the first to be PlayStation Certified.

Sony Tablets are PlayStation Certified Android tablets, released in 2011, 2012, and 2013. They offer connectivity with PlayStation 3 controllers and integrate with the PlayStation network using a proprietary application. The following models were released between 2011 and 2013: S, Sony Tablet S, Sony Tablet P, Xperia Tablet S and Xperia Tablet Z.

{{main|PlayStation TV}}

PlayStation TV, known in Asia as PlayStation Vita TV, is a microconsole and a non-portable variant of the PlayStation Vita handheld. It was announced on September 9, 2013, at a Sony Computer Entertainment Japan presentation. Instead of featuring a display screen, the console connects to a television via HDMI. Users can play using a DualShock 3 controller, although due to the difference in features between the controller and the handheld, certain games are not compatible with PS TV, such as those that are dependent on the system's touch-screen, rear touchpad, microphone or camera. The device is said to be compatible with over 100 Vita games, as well as various digital PlayStation Portable, PlayStation and PC Engine titles. The system supports Remote Play compatibility with the PlayStation 4, allowing players to stream games from the PS4 to a separate TV connected to PS TV, and also allows users to stream content from video services such as Hulu and Niconico, as well as access the PlayStation Store. The system was released in Japan on November 14, 2013, in North America on October 14, 2014, and in Europe and Australasia on November 14, 2014.2014-08-12, [http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamescom-2014-playstation-tv-launches-in-october-b/1100-6421682/ Gamescom 2014: PlayStation TV Launches in October, Bringing PS4 Remote Play to Your TV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812114618/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamescom-2014-playstation-tv-launches-in-october-b/1100-6421682/ |date=August 12, 2018 }}, GameSpot

{{main|PlayStation VR}}

PlayStation VR is a virtual reality device that is produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. It features a 5.7-inch 1920×1080 resolution OLED display, and operates at 120 Hz which can eliminate blur and produce a smooth image; the device also has a low latency of less than 18ms.{{cite web|title = PlayStation VR|url = https://www.playstation.com/en-au/explore/ps4/features/playstation-vr/|website = PlayStation|access-date = February 11, 2016|language = en-AU|archive-date = January 25, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160125190304/https://www.playstation.com/en-au/explore/ps4/features/playstation-vr/|url-status = live}} Additionally, it produces two sets of images, one being visible on a TV and one for the headset, and includes 3D audio technology so the player can hear from all angles. The PlayStation VR was released in October 2016.{{cite web|title = The latest leak 'confirms' the PlayStation VR release date|url = http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/new-product/wearable-tech/project-morpheus-rumours-release-date-price-specs-playstation-vr-april-2016-3582385/|website = PC Advisor|access-date = February 11, 2016|language = en-GB|first = Matt|last = Egan|archive-date = February 16, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160216042913/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/new-product/wearable-tech/project-morpheus-rumours-release-date-price-specs-playstation-vr-april-2016-3582385/|url-status = live}}

{{main|PlayStation Classic}}

The PlayStation Classic is a miniature version of the original 1994 Model SCPH-1001 PlayStation console, that comes preloaded with 20 games, and two original style controllers. It was launched on the 24th anniversary of the original console on December 3, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2018/09/18/introducing-playstation-classic-with-20-pre-loaded-games/|title=Introducing PlayStation Classic, with 20 Pre-Loaded Games|date=September 18, 2018|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222172920/https://blog.playstation.com/2018/09/18/introducing-playstation-classic-with-20-pre-loaded-games/|url-status=live}}

File:Sony-PocketStation.jpg|PocketStation

File:Sony-PSone-Console-wScreen-Open-FL.jpg|LCD screen for PSone

File:Console psx.jpg|PSX

File:SonyBRAVIA PS2.png|BRAVIA KDL22PX300

File:PS2-DVD-Remote.jpg|The official PS2 DVD remote control

File:PS3-Bluetooth-Remote.jpg|The official PlayStation 3 Bluetooth remote control

File:PS3 PlayTV box.png|PlayTV

File:Sony-PlayStation-3-Eye.png|PlayStation Eye

File:Sony-Xperia-Play-Open-FL.jpg|Xperia Play
(open position)

File:Sony Tablet.png|Sony Tablet

File:PlayStation-TV-FL.jpg|PlayStation TV

File:Sony-PlayStation-4-Camera-Mk1.jpg|PlayStation Camera

File:Sony-PlayStation-4-PSVR-Headset-Mk1-FL.jpg|PlayStation VR

File:PSVR2 (Non-Stereoscopic).png|PlayStation VR2

File:PlayStation Classic Konsole + Controller (transparenter Hintergrund).png|PlayStation Classic

{{Main|List of PlayStation games (disambiguation){{!}}List of PlayStation games|List of PlayStation 2 games|List of PlayStation 3 games|List of PlayStation 4 games|List of PlayStation 5 games|List of PlayStation VR games|List of PlayStation VR2 games|List of PlayStation Portable games|List of PlayStation Vita games|List of PlayStation Store games}}

Each console has a variety of games. The PlayStation 2, PSX and PlayStation 3 exhibit backwards compatibility and can play most of the games released on the original PlayStation. Some of these games can also be played on the PlayStation Portable but they must be purchased and downloaded from a list of PS one Classics from the PlayStation Store. Games released on the PlayStation 2 can currently only be played on the original console as well as the PSX and the early models of the PlayStation 3 which are backwards compatible. The PlayStation 3 has two types of games, those released on Blu-ray Discs and downloadable games from the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Portable consists of numerous games available on both its physical media, the Universal Media Disc and the Digital Download from the PlayStation Store. However, some games are only available on the UMD while others are only available on the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Vita consists of games available on both its physical media, the PlayStation Vita card and digital download from the PlayStation Store.

File:Shopping for Games (29153720530).jpg|PlayStation games in Japanese store

File:Playee Bade Store 20240106.jpg|PlayStation store in Taiwan

File:PlayStation Store (2024-11-30).jpg|PlayStation store in China

{{Main|PlayStation Studios}}

File:PlayStation Studios logo with a black center frame.svg logo]]

PlayStation Studios is a group of video game developers owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is dedicated to developing video games exclusively for the PlayStation series of consoles. The series has produced several best-selling franchises such as the Gran Turismo series of racing video games as well as critically acclaimed titles such as the Uncharted series. Other notable franchises include God of War, Ratchet & Clank, Twisted Metal and more recently, LittleBigPlanet, Infamous, The Last of Us and Spider-Man.

{{Main|Greatest Hits (PlayStation)|Essentials (PlayStation)|The Best (PlayStation)|Lists of PS one Classics|High-definition remasters for PlayStation consoles|PlayStation Mobile|l1=Greatest Hits|l2=Platinum Range|l3=The Best|l4=PS one Classics|l5=Classics HD}}

Greatest Hits (North America), Platinum Range (PAL territories) and The Best (Japan and Asia) are video games for the Sony PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable consoles that have been officially re-released at a lower price by Sony. Each region has its own qualifications to enter the re-release program. Initially, during the PlayStation era, a game had to sell at least 150,000 copies (later 250,000){{cite web |url=http://us.playstation.com/corporate/about/press-release/127.html |title=Sony Computer Entertainment America Expands Extensive "Greatest Hits" Software Library By Adding Three New Titles |author=Sony Computer Entertainment America Staff |date=September 11, 2003 |work=PlayStation.com |access-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124075436/http://us.playstation.com/corporate/about/press-release/127.html |url-status=live }} and be on the market for at least a year{{cite web |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1997_March_3/ai_19173261 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060310162416/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1997_March_3/ai_19173261 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 10, 2006 |title=PlayStation Leads Videogame Industry with Aggressive New Price Structure; PlayStation Game Console to Retail for $149 and PlayStation Software to be Targeted at a MSRP of $49.99 or Less |author=Sony Computer Entertainment America Staff |date=March 3, 1997 |work=Business Wire |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |access-date=July 26, 2010}} to enter the Greatest Hits range. During the PlayStation 2 era, the requirements increased with the minimum number of copies sold increasing to 400,000 and the game had to be on the market for at least 9 months. For the PlayStation Portable, games had to be on the market for at least 9 months with 250,000 copies or more sold.{{cite web |url=http://psp.ign.com/articles/705/705786p1.html |title=E3 2006: PSP Greatest Hits Program to be Launched |first=Jeff |last=Haynes |date=May 8, 2006 |website=IGN |access-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-date=November 9, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109180905/http://psp.ign.com/articles/705/705786p1.html |url-status=live }} Currently, a PlayStation 3 game must be on the market for 10 months and sell at least 500,000 copies to meet the Greatest Hits criteria.{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/ |title=PS3 Greatest Hits Launch Today |first=Kim |last=Nguyen |date=July 28, 2008 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807050807/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/28/ps3-greatest-hits-launch-today/ |url-status=live }} PS one Classics were games that were released originally on the PlayStation and have been re-released on the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. Classics HD are compilations of PlayStation 2 games that have been remastered for the PlayStation 3 on a single disc with additional features such as upscaled graphics, PlayStation Move support, 3D support and PlayStation Network trophies. PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Suite) is a cross-platform, cross-device software framework aimed at providing PlayStation content, currently original PlayStation games, across several devices including PlayStation Certified Android devices as well as the PlayStation Vita.

Sony has generally supported indie game development since incorporating the digital distribution storefront in the PlayStation 3, though initially required developers to complete multiple steps to get an indie game certified on the platform. Sony improved and simplified the process in transitioning to the PlayStation 4.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/29/4162430/sony-playstation-indie-games-love-story | title = PlayStation and indie games: a love story | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = March 29, 2013 | access-date = July 1, 2020 | work = The Verge | archive-date = June 4, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190604064748/https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/29/4162430/sony-playstation-indie-games-love-story | url-status = live }}

As Sony prepared to transition from the PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, they introduced a new PlayStation Indies program led by Shuhei Yoshida in July 2020. The program's goals are to spotlight new and upcoming indie titles for the PlayStation 4 and 5, focusing on those that are more innovative and novel, akin to past titles such as PaRappa the Rapper, Katamari Damacy, LittleBigPlanet, and Journey. Sony also anticipates bringing more indie titles to the PlayStation Now series as part of this program.{{cite web | url = https://blog.playstation.com/2020/07/01/introducing-playstation-indies-and-a-morning-of-captivating-new-games/ | title = Introducing PlayStation Indies and a morning of captivating new games | first = Shuhei | last = Yoshida | date = July 1, 2020 | access-date = July 1, 2020 | work = PlayStation Blog | archive-date = October 20, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211020152425/https://blog.playstation.com/2020/07/01/introducing-playstation-indies-and-a-morning-of-captivating-new-games/ | url-status = live }}

{{main|PlayStation 2 online functionality}}

Online gaming on PlayStation consoles first started in July 2001 with the release of PlayStation 2's unnamed online service in Japan. Later in August 2002 saw its release in North America, followed by the European release in June 2003. This service was shut down on March 31, 2016.

{{main|PlayStation Network}}

Released in 2006, the PlayStation Network is an online service{{cite web| url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2495&Itemid=2| title=PSBB: Kutaragi's 10 PlayStation Points| date=March 15, 2006| first=Kris| last=Graft| publisher=Next Gen| access-date=January 15, 2008| archive-date=March 19, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319115818/http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2495&Itemid=2| url-status=live}} focusing on online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery. The service is provided and run by Sony Computer Entertainment for use with the PlayStation 3, and was later implemented on the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 video game consoles.{{cite web|title=PlayStation Network Platform detailed |date=March 15, 2006 |website=GameSpot |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6145981.html |author=Hirohiko Niizumi, Tor Thorsen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212222024/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6145981.html |archive-date=February 12, 2010 }} The service has over 103 million active users monthly (as of December 2019). The Sony Entertainment Network provides other features for users like PlayStation Home, PlayStation Store, and Trophies.

{{Main|PlayStation Store}}

The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The store uses both physical currency and PlayStation Network Cards. The PlayStation Store's gaming content is updated every Tuesday and offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games, add-on content, playable demos, themes and game and movie trailers. The service is accessible through an icon on the XMB on the PS3 and PSP. The PS3 store can also be accessed on the PSP via a Remote Play connection to the PS3. The PSP store is also available via the PC application, Media Go. As of September 24, 2009, there have been more than 600 million downloads from the PlayStation Store worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1027747p1.html|title=TGS 2009: Keynote Address|first=John|last=Tanaka|date=September 23, 2009|website=IGN|access-date=March 28, 2010|archive-date=May 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517071824/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/102/1027747p1.html|url-status=live}}

Video content such as films and television shows are also available from the PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3 and PSP and will be made available on some new Sony BRAVIA televisions, VAIO laptop computers and Sony Blu-ray Disc players from February 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177522 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116025324/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3177522 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Sony "Leveraging" PSN Services for Other Sony Electronics |website=1UP.com |access-date=July 1, 2010 |date=July 1, 2010 }}

{{Main|PlayStation Network#Life with PlayStation|l1=Life with PlayStation}}

Life with PlayStation was a Folding@home application available for PlayStation 3 which connected to Stanford University's Folding@home distributed computer network and allowed the user to donate their console's spare processing cycles to the project.{{cite web|url=http://www.playstation.com/life/en/index.html |title=Life with PlayStation |date=September 18, 2009 |publisher=PlayStation.com |access-date=October 7, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113072624/http://www.playstation.com/life/en/index.html |archive-date=November 13, 2012 }} Folding@home is supported by Stanford University and volunteers make a contribution to society by donating computing power to this project. Research made by the project may eventually contribute to the creation of vital cures. The Folding@home client was developed by Sony Computer Entertainment in collaboration with Stanford University.{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/17/start-your-“life-with-playstation”/ |title=Start your "Life with PlayStation" |first=Noam |last=Rimon |date=September 17, 2008 |work=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919194755/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/09/17/start-your-%E2%80%9Clife-with-playstation%E2%80%9D/ |archive-date=September 19, 2008 }} Life with PlayStation also consisted of a 3D virtual view of the Earth and contained current weather and news information of various cities and countries from around the world, as well as a World Heritage channel which offered information about historical sites, and the United Village channel which is a project designed to share information about communities and cultures worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.united-village.net/en/about.html |title=United Village Project |work=UNESCO World Heritage Site |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=October 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920094215/http://www.united-village.net/en/about.html |archive-date=September 20, 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5051551/life-with-playstation-out-now|title=Life With PlayStation out now|first=Brian|last=Ashcraft|date=September 18, 2008|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=July 5, 2010|archive-date=September 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926061219/http://kotaku.com/5051551/life-with-playstation-out-now|url-status=live}} As of PlayStation 3 system software update version 4.30 on October 24, 2012, the Life With PlayStation project has ended.

{{main|PlayStation Network#PlayStation Plus|l1=PlayStation Plus}}

PlayStation Plus, a subscription-based service on the PlayStation Network, complements the standard PSN services.{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/06/24/playstation-plus-your-questions-answered/ |title=PlayStation Plus: Your Questions Answered |first=Susan |last=Panico |date=June 24, 2010 |work=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629233348/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/06/24/playstation-plus-your-questions-answered/ |url-status=live }} It enables an auto-download feature for game patches and system software updates. Subscribers gain early or exclusive access to some betas, game demos, premium downloadable content (such as full game trials of retail games like Infamous, and LittleBigPlanet) and other PlayStation Store items, as well as a free subscription to Qore. Other downloadable items include PlayStation Store discounts and free PlayStation Network games, PS one Classics, PlayStation Minis, themes and avatars.{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/110/1101588p1.html |title=First PlayStation Plus Details |first=Jim |last=Reilly |date=June 24, 2010 |website=IGN |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=August 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826030004/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/110/1101588p1.html |url-status=live }} It offers a 14-day free trial.

PlayStation Blog (stylized as PlayStation.Blog) is an online PlayStation-focused gaming blog, part of the PlayStation Network. It was launched on June 11, 2007{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/06/11/welcome-you’ve-been-waiting/ |title=Welcome, You've Been Waiting |first=Patrick |last=Seybold |date=June 11, 2007 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806081436/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/06/11/welcome-you%E2%80%99ve-been-waiting/ |archive-date=August 6, 2009 }} and has featured in numerous interviews with third-party companies such as Square Enix.{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/02/12/final-fantasy-xiii-your-questions-answered/ |title=Final Fantasy XIII Your Questions Answered |first=Chris |last=Morell |date=February 12, 2010 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325110012/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/02/12/final-fantasy-xiii-your-questions-answered/ |url-status=live }} It features posts from high-ranking Sony Interactive Entertainment executives.{{cite news|last1=Layden|first1=Shawn|title=A New Chapter in the Story of PlayStation|url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/04/01/a-new-chapter-in-the-story-of-playstation/|access-date=August 19, 2017|work=PlayStation Blog|date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031245/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/04/01/a-new-chapter-in-the-story-of-playstation/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/19/welcome-to-the-playstation-nation/ |title=Welcome to the PlayStation Nation |first=Jack |last=Tretton |date=October 19, 2009 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316155357/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/19/welcome-to-the-playstation-nation/ |url-status=live }} A sub-site of the blog called PlayStation Blog Share was launched on March 17, 2010, and allowed readers of the blog as well as users of the PlayStation Blog to submit ideas to the PlayStation team about anything PlayStation-related and vote on the ideas of other submissions.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5495990/what-do-playstation-3-owners-want-most-from-sony |title=What Do PlayStation 3 Owners Want Most From Sony? |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=March 17, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303223816/http://kotaku.com/5495990/what-do-playstation-3-owners-want-most-from-sony |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/17/introducing-playstation-blog-share/ |title=Introducing PlayStation Blog Share |first=Patrick |last=Seybold |date=March 17, 2010 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061042/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/17/introducing-playstation-blog-share/ |url-status=live }} Sony Computer Entertainment Europe launched a European sub-outlet, PlayStation Blog Europe, on May 28, 2009, to replace the "semi-official" site Three Speech that shut down on April 17.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/three-speech-to-close-eu-ps-blog-launching-april-17 |title=Three Speech to close, EU PS Blog on the way [Update] |first=Patrick |last=Garratt |date=April 8, 2009 |website=VG247 |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101133451/https://www.vg247.com/three-speech-to-close-eu-ps-blog-launching-april-17 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2009/05/28/welcome-youve-been-waiting/ |title=Welcome – You've Been Waiting |first=Charlotte |last=Large |date=May 28, 2009 |website=PlayStation Blog Europe |archive-date=May 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530170033/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2009/05/28/welcome-youve-been-waiting/ |url-status=dead}} This branch was merged into the main outlet on June 1, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/06/us_and_eu_playstation_blogs_merge_into_one_to_streamline_sony_messaging |title=US and EU PlayStation Blogs Merge Into One to Streamline Sony Messaging |first=Stephen |last=Tailby |date=June 1, 2020 |website=Push Square |access-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101133451/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/06/us_and_eu_playstation_blogs_merge_into_one_to_streamline_sony_messaging |url-status=live }}

{{main|PlayStation App}}

The PlayStation App is an application that was released on January 11, 2011, in several European countries for iOS (version 4 and above) and for Android (version 1.6 and above),{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/12/16/the-official-playstation-app-coming-soon-to-iphone-and-android-handsets/ |title=The Official PlayStation App, Coming Soon To iPhone And Android Handsets |first=Emmanuel |last=Orssaud |date=December 16, 2010 |work=PlayStation Blog Europe |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |access-date=January 12, 2011 |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022032425/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2010/12/16/the-official-playstation-app-coming-soon-to-iphone-and-android-handsets/ |url-status=live }} and has been installed more than 3.6 million times as of March 2, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/playstation4-ps4-sales-surpass-60-million-units-worldwide-in-less-than-4-months-since-launch-rapidly-popularizes-a-new-way-to-enjoy-social-interaction-through-gaming-2014-03-04?reflink=MW_news_stmp|title=PlayStation 4 (PS4) Sales Surpass 6.0 Million Units Worldwide In Less Than 4 Months Since Launch, Rapidly Popularizes A New Way To Enjoy Social Interaction Through Gaming|work=MarketWatch|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118060619/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/playstation4-ps4-sales-surpass-60-million-units-worldwide-in-less-than-4-months-since-launch-rapidly-popularizes-a-new-way-to-enjoy-social-interaction-through-gaming-2014-03-04?reflink=MW_news_stmp|url-status=live}} It allows users to view their trophies, see which of their PSN friends are online and read up to date information about PlayStation. It does not feature any gaming functionality.

{{main|PlayStation Mobile}}

The PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Suite) is a software framework that will be used to provide downloadable PlayStation content to devices running Android 2.3 and above as well as the PlayStation Vita. The framework will be cross-platform and cross-device, which is what Sony calls "hardware-neutral". It was set to release before the end of calendar year 2011. In addition, Android devices that have been certified to be able to playback PlayStation Suite content smoothly will be certified with the PlayStation Certified certification.{{cite web | url =http://kotaku.com/5744509/playstation-games-coming-to-android-phones | title =PlayStation Games Coming To Android Phones | first =Luke | last =Plunkett | date =January 26, 2011 | work =Kotaku | publisher =Gawker Media | access-date =January 25, 2011 | archive-date =January 29, 2011 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110129160529/http://kotaku.com/5744509/playstation-games-coming-to-android-phones | url-status =live }}

{{main|PlayStation Now}}

PlayStation Now (PS Now) was a Gaikai-based video game streaming service used to provide PlayStation gaming content to PlayStation 3 (PS3), PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation Vita, PlayStation TV and BRAVIA televisions.{{cite web|url=http://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/psnow/devices/?cid=psnow-group-image-block-v3-us-07jun14|title=PlayStation Now – Streaming Game Service on Consoles – Devices|work=PlayStation|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216213405/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/psnow/devices/?cid=psnow-group-image-block-v3-us-07jun14|url-status=live}} The service allowed users to pay for access to a selection of original PlayStation 3 titles on either a per-game basis or via a subscription. PlayStation Now was announced on January 7, 2014, at the 2014 Consumer Electronic Show. At CES, Sony presented demos of The Last of Us, God of War: Ascension, Puppeteer and Beyond: Two Souls, playable through PS Now on Bravia TVs and PlayStation Vitas. PlayStation Now was launched in Open Beta in the United States and Canada on PS4 on July 31, 2014, on PS3 on September 18, 2014, on PS Vita and PS TV on October 14, 2014, with support for select 2014 Bravia TVs coming later in the year.PlayStation Now It was merged into PlayStation Plus in May and June 2022, and is no longer available as a standalone subscription.{{cite web |title=UPDATE: All-new PlayStation Plus launches in June with 700+ games and more value than ever |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2022/03/29/all-new-playstation-plus-launches-in-june-with-700-games-and-more-value-than-ever/ |website=PlayStation Blog |date=March 29, 2022 |access-date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329181157/https://blog.playstation.com/2022/03/29/all-new-playstation-plus-launches-in-june-with-700-games-and-more-value-than-ever/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|PlayStation Home}}

PlayStation Home is a community-based social gaming networking service for the PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network (PSN). It is available directly from the PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar. Membership is free, and only requires a PSN account. Home has been in development since early 2005 and started an open public beta test on December 11, 2008.{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/12/10/playstation-home-open-beta-launches-tomorrow/ |title=PlayStation Home Open Beta Launches Tomorrow |first=Jack |last=Buser |date=December 10, 2010 |work=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=June 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617204454/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/12/10/playstation-home-open-beta-launches-tomorrow/ |url-status=live }} Home allows users to create a custom avatar, which can be made to suit the user's preference.{{cite web|url=http://www.playdepo.net/home_manual/manual.php?locale=en_GB&page=character&WT.cg_n=Your%20Character|title=PlayStation Home Online Manual — Your Character|author=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Staff|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|year=2008|author-link=Sony Computer Entertainment|access-date=July 5, 2010|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224011840/http://www.playdepo.net/home_manual/manual.php?locale=en_GB&page=character&WT.cg_n=Your%20Character|url-status=live}} Users can decorate their avatar's personal apartment ("HomeSpace") with default, bought, or won items. They can travel throughout the Home world (except cross region), which is constantly updated by Sony and partners. Each part of the world is known as a space. Public spaces can just be for display, fun, or for meeting people. Home features many mini-games which can be single player or multiplayer. Users can shop for new items to express themselves more through their avatars or HomeSpace.{{cite web|url=http://au.ps3.ign.com/objects/891/891773.html|title=IGN:PlayStation Home|author=IGN Australia Staff|website=IGN|access-date=July 5, 2010|archive-date=December 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101219132706/http://au.ps3.ign.com/objects/891/891773.html|url-status=live}} Home features video screens in many places for advertising, but the main video content is shown at the theatre for entertainment. Home plays host to a variety of special events which range from prize-giving events to entertaining events. Users can also use Home to connect with friends and customize content. Xi, a once notable feature of Home, is the world's first console based Alternate Reality Game that took place in secret areas in Home and was created by nDreams.{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/03/23/xi-has-begun/|date=March 23, 2009|title=Xi has begun!|work=PlayStation Blog|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|access-date=June 21, 2009|author=CydoniaX|archive-date=March 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325000038/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/03/23/xi-has-begun/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/01/xi-has-moved-into-the-real-world/|date=January 4, 2009|title=Xi Has Moved into the Real World|work=PlayStation Blog|publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment|access-date=June 21, 2009|author=CydoniaX|archive-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403053703/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/01/xi-has-moved-into-the-real-world/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Room for PlayStation Portable}}

"Room" (officially spelled as R∞M with capital letters and the infinity symbol in place of the "oo") was being beta tested in Japan from October 2009 to April 2010. Development of Room has been halted on April 15, 2010, due to negative feedback from the community.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/04/15/sony-pulls-the-plug-on-psp-social-network-service/|title=Sony Pulls The Plug On PSP Social Network Service|date=April 15, 2010|author=Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=April 15, 2010|archive-date=April 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418023901/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/04/15/sony-pulls-the-plug-on-psp-social-network-service/|url-status=live}} Announced at TGS 2009, it was supposed to be a similar service to the PlayStation Home and was being developed for the PSP.{{cite web|url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/699463/PSP-Room-Its-Like-PS-Home-For-The-PSP.html|title=PSP Room: It's Like PS Home for The PSP|publisher=G4 TV|author=Staff|date=September 23, 2009|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-date=June 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629201150/http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/699463/PSP-Room-Its-Like-PS-Home-For-The-PSP.html|url-status=dead}} Launching directly from the PlayStation Network section of the XMB was also to be enabled. Just like in Home, PSP owners would have been able to invite other PSP owners into their rooms to "enjoy real time communication."{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-make-room-for-playstation-r-m/|title=TGS 2009: Make room for 'PlayStation Room'|first=Andrew|last=Yoon|publisher=Joystiq|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-date=November 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126234806/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-make-room-for-playstation-r-m/|url-status=live}} A closed beta test had begun in Q4 2009 in Japan.{{cite press release|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/090924k_e.html |title=Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Introduces Room for PlayStation Portable this Winter |date=September 24, 2009 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=December 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009233522/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/090924k_e.html |archive-date=October 9, 2009 }}

In 2015, Sony launched PlayStation Gear, an online merchandise and apparel store.{{cite web |last1=Moser |first1=Cassidee |title=PlayStation Gear Store Features Licensed Clothes, Accessories |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/11/playstation-gear-store-features-licensed-clothes-accessories |website=IGN |access-date=November 1, 2022 |date=March 11, 2015 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101235814/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/11/playstation-gear-store-features-licensed-clothes-accessories |url-status=live }} Jason Schreier of Bloomberg News reported in December 2021 that Sony was working to create a new 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 multi-tiered service would incorporate PlayStation Plus, PlayStation Now, and additional features, such as the most-expensive tier that would give players access to PlayStation 1, 2, and 3 games.{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-03/playstation-plans-new-service-to-take-on-xbox-game-pass | title = PlayStation Plans New Service to Take On Xbox Game Pass | first = Jason | last = Schreier | date = December 3, 2021 | accessdate = December 3, 2021 | work = Bloomberg News | archive-date = December 30, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211230223843/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-03/playstation-plans-new-service-to-take-on-xbox-game-pass | url-status = live }}

{{See also|PlayStation 3 system software|PlayStation Portable system software}}

{{main|XrossMediaBar}}

The XrossMediaBar, originally used on the PSX, is a graphical user interface used for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable, as well as a variety of other Sony devices. The interface features icons that are spread horizontally across the screen. Navigation moves the icons instead of a cursor. These icons are used as categories to organize the options available to the user. When an icon is selected on the horizontal bar, several more appear vertically, above and below it (selectable by the up and down directions on a directional pad).{{cite web |url=http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/basicoperations/xmb.html |title=About XMB (XMediaBar) |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |year=2007 |access-date=November 10, 2006 |archive-date=January 10, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110034921/http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/basicoperations/xmb.html |url-status=live }} The XMB can also be accessed in-game albeit with restrictions, it allows players to access certain areas of the XMB menu from within the game and is only available for the PlayStation 3.{{cite web| url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/29/firmware-v240-walkthrough-part-1-the-xmb/| title=Firmware v2.40 Walkthrough Part 2: The XMB| publisher=Sony| date=June 30, 2008| access-date=June 30, 2008| archive-date=August 27, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827045956/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/06/29/firmware-v240-walkthrough-part-1-the-xmb/| url-status=live}} Although the capacity to play users' own music in-game was added with this update, the feature is dependent on game developers who must either enable the feature in their games or update existing games.{{cite web|title=In-Game XMB Support Coming Sometime In 2008 |url=http://kotaku.com/342488/in+game-xmb-support-coming-sometime-in-2008 |publisher=Kotaku |date=January 8, 2008 |access-date=February 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212035117/http://kotaku.com/342488/in%2Bgame-xmb-support-coming-sometime-in-2008 |archive-date=February 12, 2008 }}

{{main|LiveArea}}

LiveArea, designed to be used on the PlayStation Vita, is a graphical user interface set to incorporate various social networking features via the PlayStation Network. It has been designed specifically as a touchscreen user interface for users.{{cite web | url =https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/the-sony-psp2/ | title =Sony's next PSP, codenamed NGP | first =Vlad | last =Savov | date =January 27, 2011 | work =Engadget | publisher =AOL | access-date =January 29, 2011 | archive-date =March 15, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120315040053/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/the-sony-psp2 | url-status =live }}

{{main|Linux for PlayStation 2}}

In 2002, Sony released the first useful and fully functioning operating system for a video game console, after the Net Yaroze experiment for the original PlayStation. The kit, which included an internal hard disk drive and the necessary software tools, turned the PlayStation 2 into a full-fledged computer system running Linux. Users can utilize a network adapter to connect the PlayStation 2 to the internet, a monitor cable adaptor to connect the PlayStation 2 to computer monitors as well as a USB Keyboard and Mouse which can be used to control Linux on the PlayStation 2.{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Linux-for-PlayStation-26709.shtml |title=Linux for PlayStation |first=Marius |last=Nestor |date=June 15, 2006 |publisher=Softpedia |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=April 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405015405/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Linux-for-PlayStation-26709.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-30-2002/0001658223 |title=Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces Linux for PlayStation(R)2 |author=Sony Computer Entertainment Staff |date=January 20, 2002 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509230750/http://www2.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F01-30-2002%2F0001658223 |archive-date=May 9, 2012 }}

{{main|OtherOS}}

The PlayStation 3 (excluding PlayStation 3 Slim) also supports running Linux OS on firmware versions prior to 3.21 without the need for buying additional hardware purchase. Yellow Dog Linux provides an official distribution that can be downloaded, and other distributions such as Fedora, Gentoo and Ubuntu have been successfully installed and operated on the console.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |title=Sony answers our questions about the new PlayStation 3 |date=August 18, 2009 |access-date=August 19, 2009 |website=Ars Technica |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820035753/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |url-status=live }} The use of Linux on the PlayStation 3 allowed users to access 6 of the 7 Synergistic Processing Elements; Sony implemented a hypervisor restricting access to the RSX. The feature to install a second operating system on a PlayStation 3 was removed in a firmware update released in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-v3-21-update |title=PS3 Firmware (v3.21) Update |first=Patrick |last=Seybold |date=March 28, 2010 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=March 29, 2010 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615093847/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-v3-21-update/ |url-status=live }}

The PlayStation brand has a wide series of magazines, from across different continents, covering PlayStation related articles and stories. Many of these magazines work closely with Sony and thus often come with demo discs for PlayStation games. Currently there are three magazines still in circulation namely PlayStation: The Official Magazine,{{cite web |url=http://www.playstationthemagazine.com/ |title=PlayStation: The Official Magazine |author=Future US Staff |publisher=Future US |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726133510/http://www.playstationthemagazine.com/ |url-status=live }} PlayStation Official Magazine,{{cite web |url=http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/gaming/official-playstation-magazine-subscription/ |title=PlayStation Official Magazine |author=Future Publishing Staff |publisher=Future Publishing |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725191332/http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/gaming/official-playstation-magazine-subscription/ |url-status=live }} Official PlayStation Magazine (Australia).{{cite web|url=http://au.playstation.com/home/news/articles/detail/item153003/Official-PlayStation-Magazine/ |title=PlayStation News Articles: – Official PlayStation Magazine |author=PlayStation Australia Staff |date=June 16, 2010 |work=PlayStation.com Australia |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324082419/http://au.playstation.com/home/news/articles/detail/item153003/Official-PlayStation-Magazine/ |archive-date=March 24, 2012 }} However, over the years, many PlayStation magazines have spawned while a few have also become defunct, these include the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine,{{cite web |url=http://www.magazine-agent.com/official-us-playstation/magazine |title=Official U.S. Playstation — Official U.S. Playstation Magazine |author=Ziff Davis Enterprise Staff |publisher=Ziff Davis Enterprise |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126130750/http://www.magazine-agent.com/official-us-playstation/magazine |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Official UK PlayStation Magazine,{{cite web |url=http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/magazines-newspapers/the-official-uk-playstation-magazine/ |title=The Official UK Playstation Magazine |author=Future plc Staff |publisher=Future plc |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115034008/http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/magazines-newspapers/the-official-uk-playstation-magazine/ |archive-date=November 15, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

{{main|PlayStation Underground}}

PlayStation Underground was a non-traditional magazine that Sony Computer Entertainment America produced and published between Spring 1997 to Spring 2001. Subscribers received two PlayStation CDs, along with a booklet and colorful packaging every quarter.{{cite web |url=http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing-advertising/marketing-techniques/6971480-1.html |title=PlayStation goes underground; PlayStation UndergroundClub launches with innovative CD-ROM CD... |author=Chris Kramer, Samantha Sackin |date=March 26, 1997 |work=Business Wire |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |access-date=June 30, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=April 2016}} The CDs contained interviews, cheats, programmers moves, game demos and one-of-a-kind Memory Card saves. Several issues showed how a game was created from basic design to final product. Since the CDs could only be run on a PlayStation, it proved a useful marketing tool which spawned a line of PlayStation Underground JamPacks Demo CDs and which contained highlights from recent issues of PlayStation Underground, along with seemingly as many game demos that could be packed on a single CD. Unlike PlayStation Underground these were available in most stores for $4.95, were published twice a year in Summer and Winter and usually spotlighted newly released or coming soon games. By 2001, Sony had decided to phase out Underground to focus on the JamPacks with the release of the PlayStation 2. PlayStation Underground CDs are mainly in the hands of collectors these days.{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/playstation-underground/92-993/ |title=PlayStation Underground |author=Giant Bomb Staff |publisher=Giant Bomb |access-date=June 30, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629020048/http://www.giantbomb.com/playstation-underground/92-993/ |url-status=live }}

File:PlayStation E3 2003.jpg 2003]]

File:PlayStation booth, Tokyo Game Show 20090926.jpg 2009]]

File:E3 Expo 2012 - Playstation banner (7640591044).jpg]]

File:TC-SNN Boeing 737-800 SunExpress Playstation DUS 2019-03-02 (32a).jpg

Advertising slogans used for each PlayStation console iteration:

;PlayStation

• "{{red|e}}NoS Lives" (The first letter 'E' was printed in red to denote the word, ready. Enos stood for Ready, Ninth of September) (US Commercials)
• "U R Not {{red|e}}" (The letter 'E' was printed in red to denote the word, ready, as in You Are Not Ready)
• "Do Not Underestimate The Power of PlayStation." (From the S.A.P.S. – Society Against PlayStation — series of adverts){{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5411833/a-holiday-message-from-the-society-against-playstation |title=A Holiday Message From The Society Against PlayStation |first=Mike |last=Fahey |date=November 24, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=March 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310135508/http://kotaku.com/5411833/a-holiday-message-from-the-society-against-playstation |url-status=live }}

;PS one

• "Wherever, Whenever, Forever."{{cite web |url=http://us.playstation.com/corporate/about/press-release/3.html |title=Sony Computer Entertainment America introduces the PSone and LCD Screen |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=August 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818014326/http://us.playstation.com/corporate/about/press-release/3.html |url-status=live }}

;PlayStation 2

• "The Beginning."
• "Live In Y11pxur W11pxrld, Pl11pxy In 11pxurs." (The PlayStation face button icons were used to denote certain letters: Live In Your World, Play In Ours)
• "(Welcome to the) Third Place."
• "Fun, Anyone?"
• "The ultimate just got better – PlayStation 9 – teleport yours today."

;PlayStation Portable:

• "PSP Hellz Yeah" (PSP-1000 Series)
• "Dude, Get Your Own..." (PSP-2000 Series){{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/dude-get-your-own-campaign-expands-to-television/ |title=Dude, Get Your Own campaign expands to television |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |date=May 2, 2007 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223235218/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/dude-get-your-own-campaign-expands-to-television/ |url-status=live }}
• "Everywhere Just Got Better" (PSP-3000 Series and PSPgo){{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/urban-psp-campaign-moves-online// |title=Urban PSP campaign moves online |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |date=December 3, 2008 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629215450/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/urban-psp-campaign-moves-online// |url-status=live }}
• "It's GO Time" (PSPgo){{cite web |url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/28/its-go-time-pspgo-available-october-1st/ |title=It's GO Time: PSPgo Available October 1st |first=John |last=Koller |date=September 28, 2009 |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=August 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824045220/http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/28/its-go-time-pspgo-available-october-1st/ |url-status=live }}
• "Your Whole World In Your Hands" (UK & Europe Territories){{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/put-the-whole-world-in-your-hands-in-new-psp-ad |title=Put the whole world in your hands in new PSP ad |first=Andrew |last=Yoon |date=November 12, 2008 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629215456/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/put-the-whole-world-in-your-hands-in-new-psp-ad |url-status=live }}
• "Step Your Game Up" (US Territory, PSP-3000 Series and PSPgo)

;PlayStation 3:

• "The Wait Is Over"
• "Welcome Chang{{red|3}}" (the number three is used to denote an 'e' and was printed in red){{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614280p1.html |title=Pre-E3 2005: PlayStation 3 to Change E3? |author=Fran Mirabella III |date=May 15, 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=December 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203120904/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614280p1.html |url-status=live }}
• "This is Living."{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/this-is-advertising-top-10-worst-playstation-ads/ |title=This is Advertising: Top 10 worst PlayStation ads, part 3 |first=Majed |last=Athab |date=May 30, 2008 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712064601/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/this-is-advertising-top-10-worst-playstation-ads |url-status=live }}
• "Play B{{red|3}}yond" (the number three is used to denote an 'e' and was printed in red){{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-playstation-10-best-ads/ |title=Don't Underestimate the Power of PlayStation: 10 best ads |first=Majed |last=Athab |date=June 10, 2008 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821121303/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-playstation-10-best-ads |url-status=live }}
• "It Only Does Everything" (US Commercials) (PS3 Slim)
• "The Game Is Just The Start. Start PS3." (EU countries){{cite web |url=http://uk.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item231256/The-Game-is-Just-the-Start-with-PS3/ |title=The Game Is Just The Start with PS3 |author=Sony Computer Entertainment UK |date=August 26, 2009 |work=PlayStation.com UK |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-date=April 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429062002/http://uk.playstation.com/psn/news/articles/detail/item231256/The-Game-is-Just-the-Start-with-PS3/ |url-status=live }}
• "Long Live Play" (PS3 Slim)
• "Never Stop Playing" (PS3 Slim)
• "Greatness Awaits" (PS3 SuperSlim)

;PlayStation Move

• "This Changes Everything"{{cite web |url=http://playstationlifestyle.net/2010/06/12/playstation-move-slogan-possibly-outed/ |title=PlayStation Move Slogan Possibly Outed |first=Zak |last=Islam |date=June 12, 2010 |publisher=PlayStation LifeStyle |access-date=June 30, 2010 |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616160112/http://playstationlifestyle.net/2010/06/12/playstation-move-slogan-possibly-outed/ |url-status=live }}
• "Move Into The Action"{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5626848/eyes-deep-in-the-playstation-move-tech-dox |title=Eyes Deep In the Magical Playstation Move Dox |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=September 1, 2010 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=August 31, 2010 |archive-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902191758/http://kotaku.com/5626848/eyes-deep-in-the-playstation-move-tech-dox |url-status=live }}

;PlayStation Network

• "Download, Play, Connect."

;PlayStation Vita

• "Never Stop Playing."
• "The World is in Play." (EU only)

;PlayStation 4

• "See the Future"
• "Push the boundaries of Play"{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/02/21/dualshock-4-revealed-pushing-the-boundaries-of-play/ |title=DualShock 4 revealed: pushing the boundaries of play |author=Sony Computer Entertainment UK |date=February 21, 2013 |work=blog.eu.playstation.com |access-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-date=March 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311004923/http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/02/21/dualshock-4-revealed-pushing-the-boundaries-of-play/ |url-status=live }}
• "Greatness Awaits"{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3065992/sony-playstations-greatness-awaits-ad-strategy-keeps-aiming-for-gamers-hear|title=Sony Playstation's "Greatness Awaits" Ad Strategy Keeps Aiming For Gamers' Hearts|last=Beer|first=Jeff|date=2016-11-28|website=Fast Company|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-17|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217170442/https://www.fastcompany.com/3065992/sony-playstations-greatness-awaits-ad-strategy-keeps-aiming-for-gamers-hear|url-status=live}}
• "This is 4 the Players"
• "Where the Greatest Play"{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-ps4-is-where-the-greatest-play/1100-6420164/|title=Sony: PS4 Is "Where the Greatest Play"|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|date=June 6, 2014|website=GameSpot|access-date=August 5, 2014|archive-date=August 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810074735/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-ps4-is-where-the-greatest-play/1100-6420164/|url-status=live}}

;PlayStation 5

• "Play Has No Limits"{{cite web|url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps5/|title=PS5: Play Has No Limits|date=June 11, 2020|website=PlayStation official website|access-date=June 18, 2020|archive-date=June 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614080630/http://au.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item585100/KINGDOM-HEARTS-HD-1-5-ReMIX,-releasing-exclusively-for-PS3|url-status=live}}

{{main|Kevin Butler (character)}}

The most notable of recent PlayStation commercials is the series of "It Only Does Everything" commercials featuring a fictional character called Kevin Butler who is a Vice President at PlayStation. These commercials usually advertise the PlayStation 3 and its games through a series of comedic answers to "Dear PlayStation" queries.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5346940/a-first-look-at-two-of-the-ps3s-newer-funnier-ads |title=A First Look At Two of The PS3's Newer, Funnier Ads |date=August 27, 2009 |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=February 9, 2010 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623052204/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertag&topUrl=kotaku.com |url-status=live }} These commercials garnered popularity among gamers, though its debut commercial received criticism from the Nigerian government due to a reference to the common 419 scams originating in Nigeria. Sony issued an apology and a new version of the advert with the offending line changed was produced.{{cite web|url=http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/sony-apologizes-changes-ps3-ad-after-nigerian-backlash.html|title=Sony apologizes, changes PS3 ad after Nigerian backlash|publisher=Quickjump Network|date=September 12, 2009|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-date=June 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607003747/http://www.qj.net/qjnet/playstation-3/sony-apologizes-changes-ps3-ad-after-nigerian-backlash.html|url-status=live |last1=B. |first1=Karl }}

A spin-off of the campaign has been created for the PlayStation Portable which features similar campaign commercials called the "Step Your Game Up" campaign featuring a fictional teenage character named Marcus Rivers acting in a similar fashion to Kevin Butler but answering the "Dear PlayStation" queries about the PSP.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/05/24/marcus-rivers-is-kevin-butler-for-psp/|title=Marcus Rivers Is Kevin Butler for PSP|author=Lee C Kovacs|work=TheSixthAxis |date=May 24, 2010|access-date=June 16, 2010|archive-date=May 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527100923/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2010/05/24/marcus-rivers-is-kevin-butler-for-psp/|url-status=live}}

In July 2006, an advertising campaign in the Netherlands was released in which a white model dressed entirely in white and a black model dressed entirely in black was used to compare Sony's new Ceramic White PSP and the original Piano Black PSP. This series of ads depicted both models fighting with each other{{cite news|title=Sony's racially charged PSP ad|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/04/ad-critic-sonys-racially-charged-psp-ad/|first=Christopher|last=Grant|publisher=Joystiq|date=July 4, 2006|access-date=July 7, 2006|archive-date=July 8, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060708002850/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/04/ad-critic-sonys-racially-charged-psp-ad/|url-status=live}} and drew criticism from the media for being racist, though Sony maintains that the ad did not feature any racist message.{{cite news |title=Sony ad causes white riot |url=http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/games/archives/2006/07/05/sony_ad_casues_white_riot.html |newspaper=The Guardian |first=Keith |last=Stuart |date=July 5, 2006 |access-date=July 6, 2006 |archive-date=July 16, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716042748/http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/games/archives/2006/07/05/sony_ad_casues_white_riot.html |url-status=live }}

In November 2006, a marketing company employed by Sony's American division created a website entitled "All I want for Xmas is a PSP", designed to promote the PSP virally. The site contained a blog which was purportedly written by "Charlie", a teenage boy attempting to get his friend Jeremy's parents to buy him a PSP, and providing a "music video" of either Charlie or Jeremy "rapping" about the PSP. Visitors to the website quickly recognized that the domain name was registered to a marketing company, exposing the campaign on sites such as YouTube and digg. Sony was forced to admit that the site was in fact a marketing campaign and in an interview with next-gen.biz, Sony admitted that the idea was "poorly executed".{{cite magazine|title=Sony: PSP Viral Campaign 'Poorly Executed' |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sony-psp-viral-campaign-poorly-executed |author=Staff |magazine=Edge |date=December 13, 2006 |access-date=December 16, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119003805/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/sony-psp-viral-campaign-poorly-executed |archive-date=November 19, 2011 }}

Between 1999 and 2007 and 2009 to 2010, PlayStation was the main kit sponsor of French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre and Olympique Lyonnais, respectively.

Between 2016 and 2022, PlayStation was the sponsor of the Fiesta Bowl. {{cite web | url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2016/11/16/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/PlayStation.aspx | title=PlayStation Signs Multiyear Deal To Become Title Sponsor Of Fiesta Bowl | date=16 November 2016}}

In 2005, Australian newspaper The Age wrote an article about the PlayStation brand. Among the numerous interviews conducted with various people in the industry was an interview with Jeffrey Brand, associate professor in communication and media at Bond University who said, "PlayStation re-ignited our imagination with video games". Game designers Yoshiki Okamoto called the brand "revolutionary — PlayStation has changed gaming, distribution, sales, image and more", while Evan Wells of Naughty Dog said "PlayStation is responsible for making playing games cool."{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/livewire/playing-for-keeps/2005/11/15/1132016799582.html |title=Playing for keeps |first=Jason |last=Hill |date=November 17, 2005 |work=theage.co.uk |publisher=The Age |access-date=June 30, 2010 |archive-date=February 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225124122/http://www.theage.com.au/news/livewire/playing-for-keeps/2005/11/15/1132016799582.html |url-status=live }}

In 2009, ViTrue, Inc. listed the PlayStation brand as number 13 on their "The Vitrue 100: Top Social Brands of 2009". The ranking was based on various aspects mainly dealing with popular social media sites in aspects such as Social Networking, Video Sharing, Photo Sharing and Blogs.{{cite web|url=http://vitrue.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-vitrue-100-top-social-brands-of-2009/ |title=The Vitrue 100: Top Social Brands of 2009 |author=ViTrue Staff |publisher=ViTrue, Inc. |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525054651/http://vitrue.com/blog/2010/01/04/the-vitrue-100-top-social-brands-of-2009/ |archive-date=May 25, 2010 }}

In 2010, Gizmodo stated that the PlayStation brand was one of the last Sony products to completely stand apart from its competitors, stating that "If you ask the average person on the street what their favorite Sony product is, more often than not you'll hear PlayStation".{{cite web |url=https://gizmodo.com/5475941/the-return-of-sony |title=The Return of Sony |first=Joel |last=Johnson |date=March 5, 2010 |website=Gizmodo |access-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-date=March 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326065818/http://gizmodo.com/5475941/the-return-of-sony |url-status=live }} As of April 2012, the PlayStation brand is the "most followed" brand on social networking site, Facebook, with over 22 million fans and followers in total which is more than any other brand in the entertainment industry. A study by Greenlight's Entertainment Retail has also shown that the PlayStation brand is the most interactive making 634 posts and tweets on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.{{cite web|url=http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/top-stories/474942/playstation-most-followed-brand-on-social-sites |title=PlayStation 'most followed' brand on social sites |first=Vicky |last=Woollaston |date=June 30, 2010 |publisher=Webuser.co.uk |access-date=June 30, 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In July 2014, Sony boasted in a company release video that the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita sold a combined total of 100 million units.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-ps3-and-vita-combined-have-sold-over-100-milli/1100-6421018/|title=PS4, PS3, and Vita Combined Have Sold Over 100 Million Systems, Sony Says|work=GameSpot|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021729/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-ps3-and-vita-combined-have-sold-over-100-milli/1100-6421018/|url-status=live}} It was announced at Tokyo Game Show on September 1, 2014, that PlayStation home game consoles claim 78% market share of all home consoles in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/01/business/corporate-business/sony-wooing-japanese-ps4-dragon-quest/#.Va08ufnc8lI|title=Sony wooing Japanese to PS4 with 'Dragon Quest' – The Japan Times|work=The Japan Times|access-date=July 20, 2015|archive-date=January 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021733/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/09/01/business/corporate-business/sony-wooing-japanese-ps4-dragon-quest/#.Va08ufnc8lI|url-status=live}}

{{As of|2015}}, PlayStation is the strongest selling console brand worldwide.{{cite web |last=Leack |first=Jonathan |date=April 3, 2015 |title=370 Million PlayStation Consoles Have Been Sold Since December 1994 |url=http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/articles/843043-370-million-playstation-consoles-sold-since-1994 |work=CraveOnline |access-date=February 5, 2016 |archive-date=July 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717114610/http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/articles/843043-370-million-playstation-consoles-sold-since-1994 |url-status=live }}

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Category:1994 in video gaming

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Category:Home video game consoles

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Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment

Category:Sony products