I Bought 16+ Playstations and Some of them are Weird

Quick Overview

Sony has released numerous PlayStation console models across five generations, with each iteration bringing significant advancements in hardware, graphics, and gameplay, though not all models or features were equally successful or well-received. The original PlayStation revolutionized gaming with CD-ROMs, the PS2 dominated as a DVD player and gaming console, the PS3 struggled with high launch prices and complex architecture but recovered with exclusives, the PS4 simplified development and offered a strong exclusive lineup, and the PS5 continues the trend of PC-like architecture with fast storage and advanced graphics, albeit with fewer true exclusives.

Key Points: Sony's PlayStation line includes over 10 'fat' PS1 models and 20+ regional variations, with later 75xx models recommended for their fixes and early <50xx models for best DACs. The Net Yaroze, a rare black PlayStation dev kit, was sold via mail-order for $750, offering no region lock and PC connectivity for hobbyist game development. The PlayStation 2 became the best-selling console ever (155 million units) by offering full PS1 backward compatibility and serving as an affordable DVD player. The PS3 launched at $599, making it expensive for gamers and complex for developers, but it eventually thrived with exclusive titles like Uncharted and The Last of Us. The PS4 simplified development with an x86 APU, leading to easier multi-platform ports and a strong lineup of exclusives, including God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man. The PS5, launched at $399 (digital) or $499 (disc), embraced a PC-like architecture with fast SSD storage, offering high-fidelity gaming and often being the best platform for multi-platform titles. The PS5 Pro, a mid-generation refresh, is Sony's most expensive console in raw dollars ($699) and focuses on GPU improvements, ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling, though its native 4K capabilities are still debated.

Context: Linus Tech Tips embarks on an ambitious quest to collect and review every major PlayStation console ever released, highlighting the surprising number of models and their unique features. As a lifelong PC gamer, Linus anticipates discovering many PlayStation iterations he never knew existed, delving into their hardware, games, and historical significance within the gaming industry.