PlayStation 1: The Console That Started a Revolution

PlayStation 1 (PS1) launched December 3, 1994 in Japan, after Sony’s split from Nintendo’s SNES CD project. It sold 102.49 million units, first console to cross 100 million, laying the empire that leads to PS6. {emphasis}

Historical pricing note (historical citation, marked): PS1 launch $299 in 1995 United States - the reference price that introduced the mass-market console era. From there the line to PS6 (Digital $749, Standard $849 today) shows silicon economics, not nostalgia.

Read Sony’s path to PS6 and how backwards compatibility traces to this lineage.

From Nintendo fallout to 3D pioneer

• Partnership collapse 1991 pushed Ken Kutaragi’s team to standalone.
• Early 3D gaming with Ridge Racer and Toshinden.
• CD-ROM vs cartridges unlocked FMV and audio scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did PS1 launch?

December 3, 1994 in Japan.

How many sold?

102.49 million globally.

Why did Sony split from Nintendo?

Contract dispute over CD add-on control.

How does PS1 relate to PS6?

It established the 7-year cycle culminating in PS6 late 2027 and the pricing arc from $299 to $749+.