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Background
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Nintendo announced that it would be breaking its partnership with Sony, opting to go with Philips instead but using the same technology. The breaking of the partnership infuriated the Sony President at the time, and he responded by appointing Ken Kutaragi (a Sony Executive) with the responsibility of developing the PlayStation project to rival Nintendo. -
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History
The first PlayStation came about as a result of a partnership between Sony and Nintendo. The house of Mario wanted to release a CD-based add-on console for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) at the time, and enlisted Sony to develop the machine. -
PlayStation
$299 USD, one of the first consoles to deliver 3D visuals, and one of the first to be CD based (made loading times a lot quicker compared to other consoles at the time) -
PlayStation 1
Same as original, just a much smaller design. -
PlayStation 2
$299 USD, Became the first bestselling console to date. Sony embraced the multimedia experience by offering support for DVDs. Sony also made the face buttons pressure-sensitive, so pressing “X” harder would result in faster acceleration in racing games, for example. -
PlayStation Portable
Handheld machine. Between the PS2 and PS3 launches. Sony used a mini disc which offered almost 2GB of storage space, but loading times were slow. PSP had features like Sony’s Memory Card Pro Duo format for storage, a built-in web browser, a large screen to play, multimedia playback functionality, and Wi-Fi. -
PS2 Slimelime Model
the Slimline was smaller, thinner, quieter and also included a built-in Ethernet port. -
PlayStation 3
USD $499. the first console in the series to introduce the use of motion-sensing technology through its wireless controller. The console also incorporates a Blu-ray Disc player and features high-definition resolution. Also has a Slim and SuperSlim model, which essentially were the same but had a few small differences. -
PlayStation Vita
Sony followed up on the PSP with the PlayStation Vita in 2012. Featuring an OLED screen, dual analog sticks, and a slick design. Also included front and rear cameras, as well as a new rear trackpad, allowing you to control various elements of a game by touching the back of your machine. Was the least successful console in PlayStation history because players had to buy memory cards to store digital downloads and saves. -
PlayStation 4
$399. Sony introduced the PlayStation App, allowing PS4 owners to turn smartphones and tablets into a second screen to enhance gameplay. Sony also introduced a revised DualShock 4 controller with the new console, featuring a trackpad, a light strip on the back of the gamepad, and a “Share” button so users can quickly share screenshots and videos. They also came out with a slim model, and a pro model. Includes VR games. -
PlayStation 5
Higher storage containment, better audio, and faster loading times. $499 for disc, $399 for digital only. DualSense controller came out this year as well, the biggest change is the addition of shoulder triggers that can simulate resistance. Another is the improved feedback, allowing you to feel more subtle effects (e.g. the pitter-patter of rain) than simple vibration. Includes VR games.