Do you still remember the golden age of arcade video games where kids (including us!!) spent every penny they could muster just to play the said video games? Sometimes, you have to wait in line so you could play Mega Man, Dragon Ball Z, Tekken,  Mortal Kombat, Pacman and the like. However, there was a sudden change when 8-bit and 16-bit consoles were introduced such as Atari and Nintendo Entertainment System; thereafter, came handheld game consoles like GameBoy and Nintendo DS. In addition, let’s not forget how PC games and modern day consoles like Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation changed the experience and convenience of entertainment right at your fingertips at home. 

Ever since, the evolution of gaming consoles, particularly PlayStation, became more and more entertaining due to its improved graphics and the complexity of the game because of what we can do with the help of advanced technology nowadays. But since we started on the “trip down memory lane,” here is the evolution of PlayStation consoles up to present, and what we should expect in the next generation consoles of PlayStation. 

PlayStation (Released in 1994)

The very first PlayStation was released in 1994, featuring a sleek design that utilized an optical disc format rather than being a cartridge-based console. 

PS2 (Released in 2002)

PlayStation 2 was released in 2002 and it was said that it set a new standard from its predecessor. It has an integrated DVD player and USB ports for other game accessories. Along with PS2 came the DUALSHOCK 2 controller that has analogue accuracy and press sensitive buttons.

PS3 (Released in 2006)

PlayStation 3 was released in 2006 featuring upgrades from its predecessor. It has a Blu-ray disc player and internal hard drive disk for online functionality, PlayStation Store, and PlayStation Network. In addition, the DUALSHOCK 3 controller, which came a year later, won an Emmy Award for Peripheral Development and Technological Impact of Video Game Controllers.

PS4 (Released in 2013)

PlayStation 4 was released in 2013 and it has more vibrant visuals because of its High Dynamic Range (HDR) with integrated streaming and social media features. For the DUALSHOCK 4, it is now wireless and has a refined shape with enhanced gyroscope, built-in speaker, and touchpad. Sony also released PS4 Pro which has 4K and HDR for more stunning details in images.

“Next-Generation Console” / PS5?

PlayStation 5 has no specific date of release, however, many speculators say that it could happen in late 2020 or 2021. It was confirmed by Mark Cerny, Lead System Architect of Sony’s PlayStation console, that it will have a backwards compatibility to PS4 games and its potential to support up to 8K resolution. In addition, he revealed that the focus of the next console is the SSD hard drive for faster loading screen.