PlayStation

🏭 Sony📅 1994

Sony's CD-based console marked the transition from 2D to 3D gaming. Its textured polygon rendering (360,000 polys/sec) enabled groundbreaking titles like Metal Gear Solid and Gran Turismo. The controller evolved from digital (SCPH-1010) to DualShock with analog sticks and force feedback. CD media allowed cinematic experiences with Red Book audio - many games featured full orchestral scores. The system's open development policy attracted Squaresoft (Final Fantasy VII) and Namco (Tekken). Bootleg modchips like Messiah enabled region-free play, while innovations like the PocketStation foreshadowed modern connectivity. The PSOne redesign (2000) became the longest-produced console (2006 discontinuation). Rare prototypes include the Net Yaroze dev kit and the Japan-only PSX with DVR functionality.

PlayStation

📊 Market Data

Units Sold
102.49 million (including PSOne)
Best Selling Game
Gran Turismo (10.85M) followed by Final Fantasy VII (9.8M)
Lifespan
1994-2006 (13 years)

⚙️ Technical Specs

cpu
R3000A (33.87MHz) with 30 MIPS performance
memory
2MB main RAM + 1MB VRAM + 512KB sound RAM
graphics
GPU with perspective correction, 16.7M colors
sound
24-channel ADPCM with 44.1KHz sampling
media
CD-ROM (650MB) with 2x speed

🎮 Usage Characteristics

🔤 Local Terms

Optical-onlyDirect bootCD-based

Unique Practices

  • Using toothpaste to repair scratched discs
  • Memory card management minigames
  • Playing audio CDs through game ports

🏆 Popular Games

View All
Series: Tekken
Series: Ridge Racer
Series: Contra
Series: Pepsiman