SafekipediaPlayStation
Adapted from Wikipedia · Adventurer experience
PlayStation is a video gaming brand made by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a part of the big company Sony. It is best known for its home video game consoles, like the PlayStation 5 that came out in 2020. The first PlayStation console was released in Japan in 1994 and became very popular around the world.
The PlayStation brand includes not just consoles but also handheld devices, online services, and magazines. Players use special controllers called DualShock that can vibrate when you play games. There are also online services like PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store where people can buy games and other things.
Many games are made just for PlayStation consoles by a group of studios called PlayStation Studios.
History
Origins
Further information: Timeline of early 3D computer graphics hardware
PlayStation was created by Ken Kutaragi, a Sony executive. He is often called "The Father of the PlayStation".
Before 1991, Sony didn’t do much with video games. They made parts for other consoles and had a game studio. In 1991, Sony and Nintendo planned to make a new console that used CDs instead of cartridges. But Nintendo decided to work with another company instead. This made Sony’s leader upset, so they let Kutaragi make his own console to compete.
Kutaragi and his team kept working on the PlayStation, even when many people at Sony didn’t support it. They focused on making games with 3D graphics after seeing how popular they were in arcades. The PlayStation logo was designed to show its 3D support using a special optical illusion.
Formation of Sony Computer Entertainment
Kutaragi worked with others to create Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) in November 1993. This helped them bring in creative people and make and market the games.
In 1993, Sony finally approved the PlayStation project. In 1994, many game makers showed interest, especially because the PlayStation used CDs, which were cheaper to produce games for than the competition’s cartridges. The PlayStation launched in Japan in December 1994 and became very popular because it cost less than its rival, the Sega Saturn. It later launched worldwide in North America and Europe.
Home consoles
PlayStation
The original PlayStation, released in Japan on December 3, 1994, was the first of the PlayStation series of console and hand-held game devices. It included successor consoles and upgrades such as the Net Yaroze, a special black PlayStation with tools to program games, the "PS one" (a smaller version of the original), and the PocketStation (a handheld that enhances PlayStation games and 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.
PS One
Released on July 7, 2000, the PS One was a smaller, redesigned version of the original PlayStation video game console. It featured two main changes: a cosmetic change to the console and a new home menu graphical user interface (GUI).
PlayStation 2
Released in 2000, the PlayStation 2 is part of the sixth generation of video game consoles and is backwards-compatible with most original PlayStation games. It is the most successful console in the world.
Slimline model
Released in 2004, the PlayStation 2 Slimline was a smaller, thinner, and quieter version of the original PlayStation 2. It included a built-in Ethernet port and, in some markets, an integrated modem.
PlayStation 3
Released on November 11, 2006, in Japan, the PlayStation 3 is a seventh generation game console from Sony. It competes with the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii. The PS3 was the first console in the series to use motion-sensing technology through its Sixaxis wireless controller. It also includes a Blu-ray Disc player and features high-definition resolution.
Slim model
The PlayStation 3 was re-released in 2009 as a "slim" model. The redesigned model is smaller, lighter, and uses less power than previous models.
Super Slim model
In 2012, Sony revealed a new "Super Slim" PlayStation 3. The new console is lighter than the previous "slim" model.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 was announced by Sony Computer Entertainment on February 20, 2013. It introduced the x86 architecture to the PlayStation series. 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.
Slim model
PlayStation 4 Slim was unveiled on September 7, 2016. It is a revision of the original PS4 hardware with a streamlined form factor.
Pro model
PlayStation 4 Pro was unveiled on September 7, 2016. It is an updated version of the PlayStation 4 with improved hardware.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 was released worldwide on November 12, 2020, and is part of the ninth generation of video game consoles. The console uses an 8-core, 16-thread CPU and includes support for hardware acceleration of ray-tracing rendering. It ships with a custom SSD storage for fast loading times.
The system's new controller, the DualSense, has adaptive triggers and strong haptic feedback. The PlayStation 5 is backwards-compatible with most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games.
Slim model
A revised slimmer design for the PS5 was released in October 2023.
Pro model
The PlayStation 5 Pro was released in November 2024.
Comparison
Future consoles
Cerny said in October 2025 that the next PlayStation console was in early development and likely to be released in "a few years time". Sony is collaborating with AMD to use its new Radience Cores in the GPU to better support real-time ray tracing and upscaling.
| Console | PlayStation (PS) | PlayStation 2 (PS2) | PlayStation 3 (PS3) | PlayStation 4 (PS4) | PlayStation 5 (PS5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | Top: PS Bottom: PS One | Top: PS2 Middle: PS2 Slimline (2004) Bottom: PS2 Slimline (2007) | Top: PS3 Middle: PS3 Slim Bottom: PS3 Super Slim | Top: PS4 Middle: PS4 Slim Bottom: PS4 Pro | Top: PS5 Bottom: PS5 Digital Edition |
| Launch price | PS PS One | PS2 PS2 Slimline | PS3 PS3 Slim PS3 Super Slim | PS4 PS4 Slim US$299 (500 GB) US$349 (1 TB) €299 (500 GB) €349 (1 TB) PS4 Pro | PS5 PS5 Digital Edition PS5 Slim (detachable disc drive included) PS5 Slim Digital Edition (without disc drive in package) PS5 Pro (without disc drive in package) |
| Release date | PS JP: December 3, 1994 NA: September 9, 1995 EU: September 29, 1995 AU: November 15, 1995 PS One EU: 2000 JP: July 7, 2000 NA: September 19, 2000 | PS2 JP: March 4, 2000 NA: October 26, 2000 EU: November 24, 2000 AU: November 30, 2000 PS2 Slimline EU: October 29, 2004 JP: November 3, 2004 NA: November 2004 | PS3 JP: November 11, 2006 NA: November 17, 2006 EU: March 23, 2007 AU: March 23, 2007 PS3 Slim JP: August 27, 2009 NA: September 1, 2009 EU: September 1, 2009 PS3 Super Slim NA: September 25, 2012 EU: September 28, 2012 JP: October 4, 2012 | PS4 NA: November 15, 2013 EU: November 29, 2013 AU: November 29, 2013 JP: February 22, 2014 PS4 Slim JP: September 15, 2016 NA: September 15, 2016 EU: September 15, 2016 JP: November 10, 2016 NA: November 10, 2016 EU: November 10, 2016 | PS5 PS5 Digital Edition JP: November 12, 2020 NA: November 12, 2020 EU: November 12, 2020 AU: November 19, 2020 PS5 Slim PS5 Slim Digital Edition JP: November 10, 2023 NA: November 10, 2023 EU: November 29, 2023 PS5 Pro JP: November 7, 2024 NA: November 7, 2024 EU: November 7, 2024 |
| Units shipped | 102.49 million incl. 28.15 million PS one (as of March 31, 2007) | 155 million (as of December 28, 2012) | 87.4 million (as of March 31, 2017) | 117.2 million (as of March 31, 2022) | 92.2 million (as of January 31, 2026) |
| Best-selling game | Gran Turismo; 10.85 million shipped (as of April 30, 2008) | Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas; 17.33 million shipped (as of March 26, 2008) | Grand Theft Auto V; over 15 million shipped (as of December 7, 2013) | Marvel's Spider-Man; over 20 million shipped (as of November 18, 2020) | Marvel's Spider-Man 2; over 11 million shipped (as of April 20, 2024) |
| Media | CD-ROM | DVD-ROM/CD-ROM | BD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, SACD (1st and 2nd Gen Only) | Blu-ray, DVD Blu-ray 6x CAV, DVD 8x CAV | PS5: Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD PS5 Digital Edition: Digital Content Only PS5 Slim: Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD via detachable disc drive PS5 Pro: Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD via detachable disc drive |
| Included accessories and extras | RFU Adapter Controller (PlayStation Controller or DualShock, depending on production date) | DualShock 2 Controller Composite AV cable | Internal solid-state drive (825 GB, 1 or 2 TB, depending on model) Wireless DualSense controller Base Power Cable HDMI Cable USB Cable | ||
| Accessories (retail) | PlayStation 2 HDD Internal hard drive supported by PlayStation 2 Expansion Bay (model 30000 and 50000 only) Driving Force Steering Wheels with Force Feedback Onimusha 3 katana controller Resident Evil 4 chainsaw controller PlayStation 2 DVD remote control Network adapter Built-in for slim case model (PSTwo, model 70000) Memory Card (8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB) (for PlayStation 2) Guitar Hero SG Controller 'Buzz' Controllers (with all versions of Buzz) Light gun (GunCon 2) Multitap (multi-controller adaptor) Component AV cable S-Video cable Euro-AV Cable (RGB-SCART) Microphones (with Karaoke Revolution and SingStar games) USB Mouse & Keyboard | DualShock 3 Wireless Controller Blu-ray Remote Control S-Video cable Component AV cable D-Terminal AV cable HDMI cable Various rhythm game controllers for Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Band Hero, Rock Band and Singstar games Light Gun (GunCon 3) | Input Devices: DualSense Wireless controller DualSense Edge Wireless controller DualSense charging station Access controller Audio: Pulse 3D Wireless Headset Pulse Elite Wireless Headset Pulse Explore Wireless Earbuds Pulse Elevate Wireless Speakers Camera & Media: HD camera Media Remote Remote Play & VR: PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller Charging Station System & Customization: Disc Drive Vertical Stand Console covers PlayStation Link USB Adapter | ||
| CPU | R3000A 32bit RISC chip @ 33.7 MHz – Manufactured by LSI Corporation | 300 MHz MIPS "Emotion Engine" | Cell Broadband Engine (3.2 GHz Power ISA 2.03-based PPE with eight 3.2 GHz SPE) | PS4 Pro: 8-Core 2.1 GHz AMD "Enhanced Jaguar" | |
| GPU | 16.47 million colors Resolution: 256×224 – 640×480 Sprite/BG drawing Adjustable frame buffer No line restriction Unlimited CLUTs (Color Look-Up Tables) 4,000 8×8 pixel sprites with individual scaling and rotation Simultaneous backgrounds (Parallax scrolling) 620,000 polygons/sec | 147 MHz "Graphics Synthesizer"; fill rate 2.352 gigapixel/sec; 1.1 gigapixel w. 1 texture(diffuse); 588-megapixel/sec w. 2 textures (2 diffuse maps or 1 diffuse map and 1 other(0 around 74 mill, 1 around 40 mill, 2 around 20 mill); 2 textures per pass Capable of multi-pass rendering; Connected to VU1 on CPU (a vector only for visual style coding things with 3.2 GFLOPS) to deliver enhanced shader graphics and other enhanced graphics | 550 MHz RSX "Reality Synthesizer" (based on Nvidia G70 architecture) 192 - 251.2 GFLOPS | PS4 and PS4 Slim: Custom AMD Radeon 18 out of 20 Compute Units enabled (1152 out of 1280 shaders enabled) @ 800 MHz 1.84 TFLOPS PS4 Pro: Custom AMD Radeon, 36 out of 40 Compute Units enabled (2304 out of 2560 shaders enabled) @ 911 MHz 4.19 TFLOPS | PS5 and PS5 Slim: Custom AMD RDNA 2, 36 out of 40 Compute Units enabled (2304 out of 2560 shaders enabled), variable frequency (2.23 GHz capped), up to 10.28 TFLOPS PS5 Pro: Custom AMD RDNA 2.x (hybrid RDNA 3/4 features), 60 out of 64 Compute Units enabled (3840 out of 4096 shaders enabled), variable frequency (2.17 GHz – 2.35 GHz boost), up to 16.7 TFLOPS (FP32) / 33.5 TFLOPS (dual-issue) |
| Online service | —N/a | Non-unified service | PlayStation Network PlayStation Store Internet browser A/V chat via PlayStation Eye or PS2 EyeToy, voice chat via headset | PlayStation Network PlayStation Store Internet browser | |
| Backward compatibility | —N/a | PlayStation | 20 GB and 60 GB: All PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titlesOriginal 80 GB: All PS1 titles, most PS2 titles.All other models (model code CECHGxx and later): Support for PS1 titles only. | No native backwards compatibility. Cloud based backwards compatibility via PlayStation Now. Emulated PlayStation 2 titles available from the PlayStation Store. | Most PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR games |
| System software | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS, Linux DVD Playback Kit | XrossMediaBar (XMB) | Orbis OS | Orbis OS (partial, otherwise TBA.) |
| System software features | Audio CD playback | Audio CD playback DVD Playback | Operating systems can be installed and run via a hypervisor (feature unavailable with Slim Model) Audio CD playback Audio file playback (ATRAC3, AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA) Blu-ray playbackDVD playbackVideo file playback (MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264-AVC, DivX) Image editing and slideshows (JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP) Mouse and keyboard support Folding@Home client with visualizations from the RSX | Blu-ray playback DVD playback Audio playback from inserted USB flash drive | Blu-ray playback Ultra HD Blu-ray playback DVD playback |
| Consumer programmability | Requires the Net Yaroze kit | Yabasic software, Linux for PlayStation 2 | Development on console via free Linux platform or PC. | —N/a | —N/a |
Handheld systems
PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first handheld gaming device to compete with Nintendo's DS. It came out in December 2004 in Japan and March 2005 everywhere else. This device used a special disc called Universal Media Disc (UMD) to play games and movies. It had 32 MB of memory that could be expanded with special cards.
PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 models
The PSP-2000, also called the Slim & Lite, was released in September 2007. It was lighter and thinner than the original PSP. The PSP-3000, released in 2008, added new features like a built-in microphone and an improved screen.
PSP Go model
The PSP Go came out in October 2009. Unlike earlier PSP models, it did not use UMD discs. Instead, it stored games and videos digitally inside the device. It was much smaller and lighter than previous models and could connect to the PlayStation Store to download games.
PSP Street
The PSP Street, also called the PSP-E1000, was a more affordable version of the PSP. It had fewer features like no Wi-Fi and only one speaker instead of two.
PlayStation Vita
The PlayStation Vita was released in Japan on December 17, 2011, and in North America on February 22, 2012. It had a colorful touchscreen, special motion controls, and a powerful processor. A lighter version called the PCH-2000 came out in Japan in October 2013 and in North America in May 2014. The Vita was stopped being made in March 2019.
PlayStation Portal
In early 2023, Sony began working on a new portable device called Project Q. On August 23, 2023, they announced it as the PlayStation Portal. It was released on November 15, 2023, for $199.99. This device can stream games from a PS5 console at home.
Controllers
Early PlayStation controllers
The first PlayStation controller, released in 1994, had a simple design with a D-pad and four main buttons, plus shoulder buttons on top. In 1996, Sony added the PlayStation Analog Joystick for flight simulation games. By 1997, the Dual Analog controller arrived, adding two analog sticks for better control.
DualShock, Sixaxis and DualSense
Main articles: DualShock, Sixaxis, and DualSense
The DualShock controller, released in 1998, became the main controller for many PlayStation consoles. It added two analog sticks and could vibrate. The DualShock series includes controllers for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. The Sixaxis, the first PlayStation 3 controller, lacked vibration but had a special button for the PlayStation menu.
PlayStation Move
The PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing controller for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation VR. It uses a wand that moves in space, tracked by the console’s camera. It was introduced in 2010 and worked with special games and bundles. It could also be used with the PlayStation VR for motion-controlled games.
Other hardware
PocketStation
Main article: PocketStation
The PocketStation was a small device made by Sony for the original PlayStation. It worked like a memory card and had a tiny calendar. It came out only in Japan in 1999. It had a small screen, a speaker, and could tell the time. People loved it, but Sony did not sell it in other countries.
LCD Screen for PSone
In 2000, Sony made a special 5-inch screen for the PSone console. This screen had built-in speakers and a place to plug in headphones. It also came with a special bundle called the “Combo Pack” in 2002.
PSX (2003)
Main article: PSX (DVR)
In 2003, Sony made a device just for Japan that combined a PlayStation 2 console with a DVD recorder. It could connect to the internet for games and also had tools for editing videos, photos, and music. This was the first Sony PlayStation product without a game controller included.
Television sets
In 2010, Sony made a 22-inch TV that already had a PlayStation 2 console inside. In 2011, they released a special 3D TV for PlayStation games. This TV could show each player’s screen separately using special glasses.
PlayTV
PlayTV is an add-on for the PlayStation 3 that lets it work like a TV or a video recorder.
Sony Ericsson Xperia Play
Main article: Xperia Play
The Xperia Play is a smartphone made for gamers. It slides open to reveal a game controller and was made by Sony Ericsson.
Sony Tablets
Sony Tablets are tablets that work with PlayStation controllers and connect to PlayStation Network. Models included the Tablet S, Tablet P, Xperia Tablet S, and Xperia Tablet Z.
PlayStation TV
PlayStation TV is a small console that connects to a TV instead of having its own screen. It can play many PlayStation Vita games and works with PlayStation 4 through Remote Play.
PlayStation VR
PlayStation VR is a virtual reality headset made by Sony. It has a big, clear screen and can show games smoothly. It was released in October 2016.
PlayStation Classic
The PlayStation Classic is a tiny version of the original PlayStation console. It comes with 20 games and two classic controllers. It was released on December 3, 2018, the 24th anniversary of the original PlayStation.
Image gallery
<a href="/wiki/PocketStation">PocketStation</a>
LCD screen for <a href="/wiki/PSone">PSone</a>
<a href="/wiki/PSX_\(DVR\)">PSX</a>
BRAVIA KDL22PX300
The official PS2 DVD remote control
The official PlayStation 3 Bluetooth remote control
<a href="/wiki/PlayTV">PlayTV</a>
<a href="/wiki/PlayStation_Eye">PlayStation Eye</a>
<a href="/wiki/Xperia_Play">Xperia Play</a>
(open position)
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[Sony Tablet](/wiki/Sony_Tablet)
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<a href="/wiki/PlayStation_TV">PlayStation TV</a>
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<a href="/wiki/PlayStation_Camera">PlayStation Camera</a>
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PlayStation VR
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Games
Main articles: 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, and List of PlayStation Store games
Each PlayStation console has many games you can play. Some older consoles can play games made for earlier models. For example, the PlayStation 2, PSX, and PlayStation 3 can play most games made for the original PlayStation. Some of these games can also be downloaded and played on the PlayStation Portable from the PlayStation Store.
The PlayStation 3 has games you can play from Blu-ray Discs or download from the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Portable has games on special discs called UMDs or you can download them from the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Vita also has games on special cards or you can download them from the PlayStation Store.
PlayStation Studios is a group of game makers owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment. They make games just for PlayStation consoles. Some of their most popular games include the Gran Turismo racing games and the Uncharted adventure series. Other famous games are God of War, Ratchet & Clank, Twisted Metal, LittleBigPlanet, Infamous, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man.
Sometimes, popular games are sold again at a lower price. These are called [Greatest Hits](/wiki/Greatest_Hits_(PlayStation) in North America, Platinum Range in some other places, and [The Best](/wiki/The_Best_(PlayStation) in Japan and Asia.
PS one Classics are old PlayStation games that you can download and play on newer consoles like the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable from the PlayStation Store. Classics HD are remade versions of PlayStation 2 games for the PlayStation 3, with better graphics and extra features. PlayStation Mobile is a way to play some PlayStation games on certain Android devices and the PlayStation Vita.
Sony has supported smaller game makers since the PlayStation 3. They started a new program for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 to highlight creative and unique indie games, like PaRappa the Rapper, Katamari Damacy, LittleBigPlanet, and Journey. They also plan to add more indie games to PlayStation Now.
Online services
PlayStation 2 online service
Online gaming on PlayStation consoles started in July 2001 with PlayStation 2's online service in Japan. It later came to North America in August 2002 and Europe in June 2003. This service stopped working on March 31, 2016.
PlayStation Network
Released in 2006, the PlayStation Network is an online service for online multiplayer gaming and digital media. It works with the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 video game consoles. The service includes features like PlayStation Home, PlayStation Store, and Trophies.
PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is an online shop for users of PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portable consoles through the PlayStation Network. It uses real money or PlayStation Network Cards. The store updates its games every Tuesday and offers many types of content, including full games, extra content, playable demos, themes, and game and movie trailers. You can access it through an icon on the XMB menu on the PS3 and PSP.
Video content like movies and TV shows are also available from the PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3 and PSP.
Life with PlayStation
Life with PlayStation was an application for PlayStation 3 that joined Stanford University's Folding@home distributed computer network. It let users share their console's extra processing power to help medical research. The application also showed a 3D view of Earth with weather and news from cities worldwide, plus information about historical sites and cultures. The Life With PlayStation project ended on October 24, 2012.
PlayStation Plus
Main article: PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is a paid service that adds extra features to the regular PlayStation Network. It lets users automatically download game updates and system software. Subscribers can get early or special access to some betas, game demos, extra content, and free games. It also includes a free subscription to Qore. Other benefits are discounts, free PlayStation Network games, classic PS one games, small PlayStation games, themes, and avatars. There is a 14-day free trial.
PlayStation Blog
PlayStation Blog (written as PlayStation.Blog) is an online blog about PlayStation, part of the PlayStation Network. It started on June 11, 2007 and often includes interviews and posts from top Sony Interactive Entertainment leaders. A part of the blog called PlayStation Blog Share began on March 17, 2010, letting readers and users send ideas to the PlayStation team and vote on other ideas. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe also started a European version called PlayStation Blog Europe on May 28, 2009, which later joined the main blog on June 1, 2020.
PlayStation App
The PlayStation App is an app that came out on January 11, 2011, for iOS (version 4 and above) and Android (version 1.6 and above) in some European countries. It lets users see their trophies, check which of their friends are online, and get the latest PlayStation news. It does not let users play games.
PlayStation Mobile
PlayStation Mobile (formerly PlayStation Suite) is a system that will let people download PlayStation games to devices running Android 2.3 and above, as well as the PlayStation Vita. It will work across different devices, which Sony calls "hardware-neutral". It was planned to release before the end of 2011. Android devices that can smoothly play PlayStation Suite games will get the PlayStation Certified label.
PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now (PS Now) was a service that let users stream PlayStation games to PlayStation 3 (PS3), PlayStation 4 (PS4), PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation Vita, PlayStation TV and BRAVIA televisions. Users could pay for individual games or get a subscription. PlayStation Now started in Open Beta in the United States and Canada on PS4 on July 31, 2014, then came to PS3 on September 18, 2014, and PS Vita and PS TV on October 14, 2014. It was combined into PlayStation Plus in May and June 2022 and is no longer a separate service.
Online social networking services
PlayStation Home
PlayStation Home is a social network for PlayStation 3 users on the PlayStation Network (PSN). You can access it directly from the PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar. It’s free and only needs a PSN account. Home started testing in early 2005 and opened to everyone on December 11, 2008. Users can create a custom avatar and decorate their personal space ("HomeSpace") with items they buy or win. They can explore the Home world, which has many areas called spaces. Public spaces can be for showing things, having fun, or meeting people. Home has many small games, both single-player and multiplayer. Users can shop for new items to make their avatars and HomeSpace more unique. Home also has video screens for ads, but the main videos are shown in the theatre for fun. Home hosts special events, like prize giveaways and fun activities. Users can connect with friends and change their content.
Room for PlayStation Portable
Main article: Room for PlayStation Portable
"Room" (officially spelled as R∞M with capital letters and the infinity symbol instead of "oo") was tested in Japan from October 2009 to April 2010. Development stopped on April 15, 2010, because people didn’t like it. It was planned to be like PlayStation Home but for the PSP. Users could invite other PSP owners into their rooms to chat in real time.
Others
In 2015, Sony started PlayStation Gear, an online store for PlayStation-related clothes and items.
Software
See also: PlayStation 3 system software and PlayStation Portable system software
XrossMediaBar
Main article: XrossMediaBar
The XrossMediaBar is a special menu on some PlayStation systems and other Sony devices. It shows pictures called icons to help you choose what you want to do. When you pick an icon, more options appear.
LiveArea
Main article: LiveArea
LiveArea is a menu for the PlayStation Vita. It works with touchscreens and helps you connect with others online through the PlayStation Network.
Linux operating systems
Linux for PlayStation 2
Main article: Linux for PlayStation 2
In 2002, Sony let people use a computer operating system called Linux on the PlayStation 2. With extra parts like a hard drive, keyboard, and mouse, the PlayStation 2 could act like a small computer.
Linux for PlayStation 3
Main article: OtherOS
Earlier versions of the PlayStation 3 could run Linux without extra hardware. People could use different types of Linux. Later, Sony stopped this feature in 2010.
Media
Magazines
The PlayStation brand has many magazines from around the world that share stories and articles about PlayStation games. Some of these magazines work with Sony and often include special discs with game demos. Today, three magazines are still published: PlayStation: The Official Magazine, PlayStation Official Magazine, and Official PlayStation Magazine (Australia). Over the years, many other PlayStation magazines have started and stopped, like the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, Official UK PlayStation Magazine, and Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine.
PlayStation Underground
PlayStation Underground was a special magazine made by Sony Computer Entertainment America from Spring 1997 to Spring 2001. People who paid to join got two PlayStation CDs every three months, along with a booklet and colorful packaging. The CDs had interviews, tips, secrets, and game demos. Later, Sony stopped making PlayStation Underground and focused on making JamPacks, which were demo CDs sold in stores. These JamPacks came out twice a year and showed off new and coming games. Today, PlayStation Underground CDs are mostly kept by collectors.
Marketing
PlayStation has used many fun and creative slogans to promote its different consoles. Each console had special phrases to catch people's attention and show what the console can do.
Some of the popular slogans include:
- PlayStation: "Do Not Underestimate The Power of PlayStation."
- PS one: "Wherever, Whenever, Forever."
- PlayStation 2: "The Beginning."
- PlayStation Portable: "Everywhere Just Got Better"
- PlayStation 3: "The Wait Is Over"
- PlayStation Move: "This Changes Everything"
- PlayStation Network: "Download, Play, Connect."
- PlayStation Vita: "Never Stop Playing."
- PlayStation 4: "See the Future"
- PlayStation 5: "Play Has No Limits"
PlayStation has also created many memorable advertising campaigns. One famous campaign featured a character named Kevin Butler who would answer funny questions sent to PlayStation. Another campaign compared two different colors of the PSP console using models dressed in white and black. PlayStation has also sponsored many sports teams and events over the years, helping to build its brand around the world.
Reception
In 2005, a newspaper in Australia talked about the PlayStation brand. People said PlayStation made games exciting again and changed games.
By 2010, PlayStation was one of Sony’s most special products, and many people liked it best. In 2014, Sony said the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita sold 100 million units. PlayStation home consoles were also popular in Japan. Today, PlayStation is the best-selling home console brand in the world.
Related articles
This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on PlayStation, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.