PlayStation and PSone consoles. view larger

The start of a new era

Released in Europe in September 1995, the original PlayStation (also known as the PS1 or PSX) was the first video game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the first in a line of home and handheld consoles boasting sales of over 430 million units worldwide in total. As one of the early systems to use CD-ROMs instead of cartridges, the PlayStation boasted great 3D graphics, sound, and memory for building vast games, and enjoyed a long lifespan which continued right through the PlayStation 2 era and even into that of the PlayStation 3.

In 2000, Sony launched a redesigned, 'slimmer' version of the console, known as the PSone, which sold over 28 million units worldwide. Ten years after its initial release, the PS1 became the first console to sell over 100 million units worldwide; sales of software for the platform extend past 950 million units worldwide.

Groundbreaking games

Following its successful launch with games like Doom and Rayman, the PlayStation spawned a whole host of new franchises and top titles – the system revolutionised arcade-style 3D racing with Ridge Racer and Gran Turismo; it redefined the experience of fighting games with the still-running Tekken series; and it took action-adventure, puzzle, and stealth games to new heights with titles like Tomb Raider, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, and Metal Gear Solid.

Among the top new series were platforming giants Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, while three of the most popular entries in the huge Final Fantasy franchise – VII, VIII, and IX – also saw their console releases exclusively on PlayStation. Sports fans were also covered, with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, FIFA, WWF, and Madden entries winning over gamers and critics alike.

PlayStation controller. view larger

The controller

With a new family of consoles came a new type of controller. The PlayStation gamepad introduced a new layout for gamers, with two pairs of shoulder buttons (L1/R1 and L2/R2) and a now-iconic diamond of four new symbols – the green triangle, red circle, blue cross, and pink square. Complete with start and select buttons, the D-pad, and longer grips, this controller set the future standard for console gamepads.

DualShock controller. view larger

DualShock controller

In an attempt to expand and improve the gameplay experience for players, the DualShock controller was released to replace the original gamepad. With two analog sticks, vibration feedback, and two new buttons (L3 and R3), features which were heavily supported by games upon its release, the DualShock laid the groundwork for future controllers in the PlayStation family, as well as for other consoles.

Multitap Adapter. view larger

Multitap Adapter

More than one friend? Use the PlayStation Multitap to plug in up to four controllers for twice the fun! The Multitap plugs straight into the controller port and allows you to plug in up to four controllers for multiplayer gaming. A wide range of games featured four-player modes, including Crash Team Racing and Micro Machines V3.

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Memory card

If you wanted to save your progress on a PlayStation game, you needed a memory card. Plugging in above the controller port, the PlayStation memory card provided 15 slots worth of storage for all your favourite games. Files could be deleted in the memory card manager by booting up the console without a game or with the disc tray open.

CD player. view larger

CD player

In addition to playing your favourite games, the PlayStation also doubles up as a CD player. Shuffle the playback order, play songs in a programmed order, and repeat a song or the entire disc, all with your PS1 system. PlayStation became more than just a gaming machine, but an entertainment system for the masses.

Net Yaroze.

Net Yaroze

If you were a keen computer programmer, the Net Yaroze allowed you to create your very own games for the PlayStation console. Released in 1997, Net Yaroze was a revolutionary development kit which spawned a wide range of new titles for gamers, many of which were featured on official PlayStation demo discs.

Final Fantasy VII. view larger Gran Turismo. view larger Tekken 3. view larger Tomb Raider. view larger Metal Gear Solid. view larger Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped. view larger Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. view larger Final Fantasy IX. view larger

Sony PlayStation Console

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