PlayStation
Sony's first console, built on CD-ROM
- 1994Released
- 5thGeneration
- SonyDeveloper
PlayStation Specifications
- Processor
- LSI Logic Corp LR333x0-based Core
- Processor Speed
- 33.8688 MHz
- RAM
- 88 MB
- Video RAM
- 1 MB
- Colors Available
- 16.7 million (24-bit)
- Resolution
- 256 x 225 to 640 x 480 pixels
Overview
The PlayStation, also known as the PS, PS1 and PSX, was Sony’s first console. Released in 1994 in Japan and 1995 in North America and Europe, it became the best-selling console of the fifth generation and the first console to sell over 100 million units. It turned Sony into one of the most formidable companies in gaming.
The PlayStation’s main competitors were the Nintendo 64 and the SEGA Saturn. Despite facing established giants Nintendo and SEGA, the PlayStation outsold the Nintendo 64 and left the Saturn a distant third. One of its biggest advantages was its use of CDs. Cartridges loaded faster and were more durable, but they could not match the storage space of a CD. CDs were also much cheaper to produce, which appealed to publishers because making large quantities of a game carried far less risk.
PlayStation emulation is very mature, with the vast majority of games running without major issues. Emulator developers now focus mostly on accuracy, speed and enhancements such as rendering games at higher internal resolutions. Many long-standing PS1 emulators, such as ePSXe and PCSX-Reloaded, are plugin-based; DuckStation is a popular, actively developed alternative that works without plugins.
Key Features
CD Games
CDs held far more than cartridges and cost much less to make.
100 Million Sold
The first console to sell over 100 million units.
24-Bit Colour
Displays up to 16.7 million colours at up to 640 x 480.
Sony's First Console
Sony's first console, which made it a formidable gaming company.
