Sony has rolled out a new webpage dedicated to celebrating 30 years of PlayStation, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This online hub features a fascinating timeline that walks you through three decades of gaming history with PlayStation.
If there’s one standout in PlayStation’s storied past, it’s the PlayStation 2. For the first time, Sony has officially acknowledged that this iconic console sold 160 million units. This number has long been debated in gaming communities, ever since former executive Jim Ryan casually mentioned it during a chat on the PlayStation Podcast.
Each PlayStation console gets its moment in the spotlight on this webpage, and you’ll see some nostalgic ads that are sure to bring back memories. There’s even a nod to the original DualShock controller ad, which took a playful jab at competitors’ controllers.
Interestingly, the webpage also touches on PlayStation Stars, the often-criticized loyalty program known for its frequent hiccups. Sony notes that “the service continues to evolve alongside PlayStation.” That’s one way of putting it.
Scrolling through the page, it’s hard not to reflect on just how ahead of its time the PSP was. This handheld device, capable of playing movies and MP3s in addition to games, sold more than 80 million units. It boasted a range of online features, including Wi-Fi and ad-hoc PSP-to-PSP connections for local multiplayer fun.