Released: December 1994, 15 years ago
CPU Speed: RISC 33,9 MHz
Memory: 1,5 MB RAM / 1 MB VRAM
Video: 512x384 / True Color
Game Controller: Gamepad
Price in 1994: $299
The PlayStation, the PS1, the PSX, the PS, the PSone - all different names for the same great machine. The PlayStation was released prior to Christmas of 1994 by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was manufactured for a full eleven years, making it still in production when most of its successors were being released as innovative additions to the gaming market.
The PS1 was novel, even revolutionary, upon its release because of its use of disc technology. The idea had been attempted by other game console manufacturers, most notably Nintendo, but didn't seem to bear fruit until the release of the PS1. In fact, PS1 technology was developed in league with Nintendo, with Sony essentially building an SNES-CD. However, a loophole in the contract allowed Sony to retain all rights to the titles written in this format. The deal was cancelled, and the technology and research was used to launch a new console.
The PS1 saw many changes in cosmetics over its eleven year run. It changed color numerous times, ranging from original gray to white or blue. It changed size and it changed slogans. Still, it was a popular machine whose games remained popular due to technology in its predecessors. PlayStation machines are "backwards compatible" meaning that later consoles still have the ability to play games from previous consoles. Gran Turismo was the number one selling game, selling 10.85 million copies.
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