PlayStation turns 30!

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The original launch console used the CD-ROM format of games, rather than cartridges like its competitors. Sony said this allowed games to be longer, more challenging, and cheaper to make and buy. Since its launch, Sony went on to sell over 102 million original PlayStations.
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The PlayStation had to compete with Japanese rival Nintendo and their family-friendly N64 console, as well as the Sega Saturn.
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With the new millennium, and Microsoft about to launch the Xbox, Sony upgraded their technology and launched what became one of the best-selling game consoles of all time - the PlayStation 2 - simply known as the PS2. Gamers were introduced to the world of online multiplayer gameplay and the DVD format meant game stories could become even longer and more ambitious.
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There were midnight launches of the console in gaming and electrical shops all over the world. People queued for hours to get their hands on the new PS2 when it launched in the UK, but some left empty-handed. Manufacturing delays and excessive demand around the world meant there was a shortage of new consoles when they were released just before Christmas in 2000. Others said the price of the machine made it inaccessible to all - it was originally priced at around £300 (which would be about £560 today taking into account inflation).
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In November 2006, the PS3 was launched in Japan and North America, with the console coming out a few months later in Europe. This one connected to the latest HD TVs, making the gaming experience a sharper one. Plus, it featured wireless controllers which had vibration technology, enabling the game to feel more real for the players.
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The PlayStation 4 was launched in the United States in 2013 and was the first to be launched outside of Japan. The brand new controller featured a "share" button - a sign of the influence social media had at the time. It also had a touch pad and in-built microphone and speaker.
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In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, the most recent console, the PS5, was launched. Two options were available - one was Blu-ray disc compatible if you wanted to play physical games on it, but also, a digital-only console, which was for those who wanted to only play downloadable games.
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An adaptive controller was created to allow gamers with disabilities to play comfortably. However, the pandemic led to a global computer chip shortage, and there were huge delays and shortages in manufacturing the PS5. This meant many people were disappointed and couldn't get their hands on the new console. It also meant prices went up and many people expressed their frustration over the cost of the latest gaming tech.

3 December 2024

One of the world's most popular game consoles, the Sony PlayStation, turns the ripe old age of 30 this week!

Your parents may remember the launch of the innovative piece of tech, which broke the mould and set the standard in gaming for years to come.

It boasted the first 3D graphics in gaming and launched much-loved characters like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro and Lara Croft in Tomb Raider.