- Home console developed by Sony and released in Europe in September 1995.
- The first games console to sell over 100 million units (102.5 million worldwide).
- Launched key franchises such as Gran Turismo, Tekken, and Grand Theft Auto.
- Also featured functionality for playing audio CDs, including shuffle and repeat.
- The console was later redesigned and released in 2000 as the smaller PSone.
PlayStation and PSone consoles. view larger
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The start of a new era
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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
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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 C Bandicoot
and ro 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
( https://images-eu.ssl-images-.com/images/G/02/uk-videogames/2014/ConsoleComp/us/PS1_Controller_lg._V344335333_.jpg )
The controller
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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
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DualShock controller
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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
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Multitap Adapter
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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 C Team Racing and Micro
Machines V3.
Memory card. view larger
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Memory card
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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
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CD player
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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
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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
( https://images-eu.ssl-images-.com/images/G/02/uk-videogames/2014/ConsoleComp/us/PS1_FinalFantasyVII_lg._V344340420_.jpg )
Gran Turismo. view larger
( https://images-eu.ssl-images-.com/images/G/02/uk-videogames/2014/ConsoleComp/us/PS1_GranTurismo_lg._V344339291_.jpg )
Tekken 3. view larger
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Tomb Raider. view larger
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Metal Gear Solid. view larger
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C Bandicoot 3: Warped. view larger
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Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2. view larger
( https://images-eu.ssl-images-.com/images/G/02/uk-videogames/2014/ConsoleComp/us/PS1_TonyHawks2_lg._V344339289_.jpg )
Final Fantasy IX. view larger
( https://images-eu.ssl-images-.com/images/G/02/uk-videogames/2014/ConsoleComp/us/PS1_FinalFantasyIX_lg._V344339288_.jpg )
