# I Bought 16+ Playstations and Some of them are Weird

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ6yhlEZL7I
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/YJ6yhlEZL7I
Generated: 2025-07-19T17:05:21.855+00:00

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## 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.

![Screenshot at 0:03: Linus standing in front of a shelf with various PlayStation consoles and boxes.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-00-03.png)

**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.

## Detailed Analysis

Sony's PlayStation journey began with the original PlayStation (PS1), launched in December 1994, which quickly became the best-selling home console by 2001 due to its innovative hardware, exclusive titles like Final Fantasy VII and Tekken, and aggressive pricing. The PS1 saw over 10 'fat' models and 20+ regional variations, with later 75xx models recommended for their fixes and early <50xx models for their DACs. The smaller, lighter PSOne, released later, offered an affordable entry point and unique accessories like an LCD screen. The DualShock controller introduced dual analog sticks, setting a new industry standard. The Net Yaroze, a rare black dev kit, aimed to foster hobbyist game development with its region-free nature and PC connectivity. The PlayStation 2 (PS2), launched in 2000, completely superseded the PS1 by offering full backward compatibility and serving as an affordable DVD player, becoming the best-selling console ever. The 'fat' 39xx PS2 models are highly sought after for their improved laser and HDD support. The PSX, a Japan-only PS2/DVR hybrid, introduced the iconic Cross Media Bar (XMB) UI but was largely impractical. The PlayStation 3 (PS3), launched in 2006 at a high price of $599, faced initial struggles due to its cost and complex Cell architecture, making development challenging. However, it eventually thrived with a growing library of phenomenal exclusives like Uncharted and The Last of Us. Later PS3 Slim models (20XX-25XX) are recommended due to improved reliability over the heat-prone early 'fat' models. The PlayStation 4 (PS4), released in 2013 at $399, achieved massive success by simplifying its architecture to be more PC-like, making development and multi-platform ports easier. It boasted a strong lineup of exclusives and was later followed by the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro, which aimed for 4K gaming. The PlayStation 5 (PS5), launched in 2020, continued the PC-like architecture trend, offering incredibly fast loading times with its SSD and high-fidelity graphics. While it has fewer true exclusives, it offers the best place to play thousands of games. The PS5 Pro, a mid-generation refresh, focuses on GPU improvements, ray tracing, and AI-driven upscaling, making it the most expensive PlayStation console to date, though its native 4K capabilities are still debated. The DualSense controller introduced advanced haptics and adaptive triggers, enhancing immersion despite its integrated battery design. Throughout its history, Sony's consoles have pushed boundaries, from disc-based gaming to high-definition experiences, constantly evolving the gaming landscape.

### The Original PlayStation (PS1)

- Launched December 1994, became best-selling console by 2001 with 102 million units
- Success driven by exclusive titles, innovative hardware, and aggressive pricing
- Over 10 'fat' models and 20+ regional variations exist, with subtle differences
- Recommended models are later 75xx for fixes or early <50xx for best DACs; 7500 is best all-around
- PSOne (smaller, lighter) cost $200, offered portable LCD screen attachment
- DualShock controller introduced dual analog sticks, setting a new design standard.

### The Net Yaroze

- A rare black PlayStation dev kit (DTL-H3000) for hobbyists, not professional developers
- Cost $750 via mail-order only
- Featured no region lock and could run unsigned software directly from a PC
- Aimed to spark interest in game development among enthusiasts.

### The PlayStation 2 (PS2)

- Launched 2000, made PS1 completely obsolete by doing everything better
- Featured complete backward compatibility with PS1 games and controllers due to a built-in PS1 CPU
- Was one of the cheapest DVD players on the market at $299, a major selling point
- Offered a significant technological jump for next-gen games with powerful custom hardware and larger game discs
- Original 'fat' PS2 models (especially 39xx range) are most desirable for improved laser reliability, out-of-box HDD support, and Free McBoot compatibility
- Slim PS2 models are suitable for casual use if modding or specific PS1 game compatibility isn't a concern.

### The PSX and Sony Bravia KDL222PX-300

- The PSX was a Japan-only white multimedia behemoth, combining a full PS2 with DVR and media functions, but most features are now useless
- Introduced the Cross Media Bar (XMB) UI, which later became iconic on PSP and PS3
- The Sony Bravia KDL222PX-300 was an unremarkable 720p LCD TV released in 2010 (4 years after PS3) but featured a PS2 built into its stand.

### The PlayStation 3 (PS3)

- Launched 2006 at $599, faced initial struggles due to high cost and complex Cell architecture
- Developers struggled to optimize games for its unique architecture, leading to early PS3 games not looking significantly better than late PS2 titles
- Early 'fat' PS3 models suffered from Yellow Light of Death (YLoD) due to inadequate cooling for their heat output
- Later PS3 Slim models (CECH 20XX, 21XX, 25XX) are recommended for their improved reliability and lower heat output
- PS3's appeal grew over its lifetime, bolstered by a library of phenomenal exclusives like Uncharted, The Last of Us, and Heavy Rain
- The Sixaxis controller was the first wireless PlayStation controller, though it lacked rumble initially; DualShock 3 later added rumble.

### The PlayStation 4 (PS4)

- Launched late 2013 at $399, got off to a strong start by simplifying its architecture to be more PC-like (AMD x86 APU)
- This made development and multi-platform ports much easier and higher quality than ever before
- Featured a strong lineup of exclusives, including God of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and Marvel's Spider-Man
- Was followed by the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro, which was marketed as the first true 4K console, though tests showed it was primarily a GPU upgrade.

### The PlayStation 5 (PS5)

- Launched 2020, priced at $399 (digital) or $499 (disc), with a unique design
- Features best-in-class storage (fast SSD) for significantly reduced loading times
- Has fewer true exclusives compared to previous generations, but can play thousands of games, often being the best platform for them
- The PS5 Slim is the first size reduction without a significant jump in efficiency
- The DualSense controller offers advanced haptics and adaptive triggers, enhancing immersion, though its integrated battery can degrade over time.

### The PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro)

- A mid-generation refresh launched in 2024, priced at $699
- Features a larger GPU, advanced ray tracing, and a new PlayStation-specific AI-driven upscaling technique (PSSR)
- While it offers improved performance and visuals, it's considered a 'moderate performance bump' compared to generational leaps of the past
- It is the most expensive PlayStation console in raw dollars, and second most expensive adjusted for inflation (after the launch PS3).

![Screenshot at 0:03: Linus standing in front of a shelf with various PlayStation consoles and boxes.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-00-03.png)
![Screenshot at 0:08: A collection of PlayStation consoles from different generations displayed on shelves.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-00-08.png)
![Screenshot at 0:35: Linus holding a PS1 controller, smiling as the original PlayStation boot screen appears on a CRT TV.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-00-35.png)
![Screenshot at 1:04: A bar chart showing PlayStation as the best-selling console by 2001 with 102 million units.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-01-04.png)
![Screenshot at 1:47: A PSOne console stacked on top of an original PS1, highlighting its smaller size.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-01-47.png)
![Screenshot at 2:56: The Net Yaroze, a rare black PlayStation dev kit, rotating on a stand.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-02-56.png)
![Screenshot at 3:40: Linus holding a stack of PS1 game cases, discussing the variety of games available.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-03-40.png)
![Screenshot at 4:18: Linus and another person watching PaRappa the Rapper gameplay on a CRT TV, showing the game's cartoonish graphics.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-04-18.png)
![Screenshot at 6:58: A hand inserting a DVD into a PS2 console, highlighting its dual functionality as a DVD player.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-06-58.png)
![Screenshot at 8:09: The white PSX console rotating on a stand, showcasing its sleek design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/YJ6yhlEZL7I/00-08-09.png)