PlayStation (PS)

What is PlayStation?

PlayStation is a gaming console brand developed and owned by Sony. It specializes in the development of PlayStation consoles, accessories, video games, and online services such as PlayStation Plus. Avid players will likely have seen its products, including the latest PlayStation 5 Pro and iconic gaming franchises such as Uncharted, The Last of Us, and Astro Bot.

PlayStation is but one of many brands available in the gaming market, competing against the likes of Xbox and Nintendo for player attention.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is PlayStation?
2. Key Takeaways
3. History of PlayStation
4. How PlayStation Works
5. Popular PlayStation Franchises
6. 4 Ways to Improve PlayStation Game Performance
7. PlayStation Pros & Cons
8. The Bottom Line
9. FAQs

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is PlayStation?
2. Key Takeaways
3. History of PlayStation
Show Full Guide
4. How PlayStation Works
5. Popular PlayStation Franchises
6. 4 Ways to Improve PlayStation Game Performance
7. PlayStation Pros & Cons
8. The Bottom Line
9. FAQs

History of PlayStation

PlayStation’s history dates back to December 3, 1994 when Sony released their first gaming console in Japan. It would kickstart their expansion into the west and establish itself as a major competitor in the gaming industry.

How PlayStation Works

The PlayStation Hardware

Sony requires players to purchase a console such as the PS5 or PS5 Pro to run its games. Development studios create games to provide digital entertainment experiences. Players need to buy either a PlayStation-registered disc or directly download it through the Sony PlayStation store to play.

Buying a console from official sources usually includes a controller, which is the primary gadget used to navigate the console’s systems and interact with the video games played through it. The controllers have undergone many revisions over the past two decades, ranging from Dualshocks to the DualSense.

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that grants access to PlayStation’s online games at the base tier, and offers an extensive catalogue of games to download and play at higher tiers. Players are required to pay a monthly fee in exchange for these benefits.

Here is a brief breakdown of PlayStation Plus tiers and their perks:

You can read more about how it compares to Xbox Game Pass to decide which of the two subscription services is the best option for you.

PlayStation Stars

PlayStation Stars is a free loyalty program for PlayStation users that rewards players for engaging with their consoles, purchasing games, and completing specific activities.

Players earn points by completing activities such as earning PlayStation trophies, or making purchases within the store. They can then redeem points for wallet funds to purchase games or content, and along the way earn digital collectibles to celebrate personal milestones.

Popular PlayStation Franchises

Here are five of the top PS5 games that have defined PlayStation’s legacy in the gaming space. These iconic franchises often feature several entries and span across multiple consoles.

Uncharted

One of the more well-known PlayStation franchises that defined the brand in its earlier years. Uncharted first released in 2007 with Uncharted: Nathan’s Fortune, and has since gone on to release eight entries in total including main-line and spin-off series.

Uncharted combines engaging narratives with dynamic characters, including main protagonist Nathan Drake, creating experiences reminiscent of blockbuster action-adventure films. The series features a perfect blend of exploration, platforming, puzzle-solving, and intense combat, keeping gameplay fresh and entertaining.

Ratchet & Clank

The Ratchet & Clank series has always excelled in cartoonish charm and whimsical humor; combining the best elements of 3D platforming with third person action gameplay. The series is known for its creative weapons and gadgets, allowing players to use everything from explosive bombs to weapons that manipulate time and space.

There are 17 Ratchet & Clank games in total, dating back to the first release in 2002. The recent Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a PlayStation exclusive title that showcases the full power of the PS5.

The Last of Us

The original 2013 release of The Last of Us took the gaming community by storm, and is widely considered to be one of the best PS4 games to play in 2024 due to its heartfelt yet suspenseful storytelling and compelling characters.

Naughty Dog have gone on to create remastered versions for both the original and sequel title, with four games in total. Its success even warranted the production of a TV show, which recently began development on a second season.

Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo first launched in 1997 and has long been defined by its pursuit of realistic driving simulation and extensive range of cars. It has since gone on to release eight main games and four spin-off titles.

It has become the main racing game for PlayStation, and amongst our top recommendations for those looking for the best racing games to play in 2024.

Astro Bot

One of the new PlayStation entries first introduced as a tech demonstration for the PS4, Astro Bot has quickly become a recognisable IP for Sony’s gaming brand. The games have often been a celebration of gaming history, featuring classic characters from popular IP’s.

WIth Astro Bot Rescue Mission amongst the best PlayStation VR games, and the recent fully fledged Astro Bot game for the PS5, It is clear that this robotic android is here to stay.

Find out more about our impressions in our full Astro Bot review to see if it’s worth joining the adventure.

4 Ways to Improve PlayStation Game Performance

PlayStation Pros & Cons

PlayStation studios have come a long way since its inception back in 1994, with many ambitious revisions and advancements in both consoles and games. Players need to assess the benefits and drawbacks to ultimately decide what’s right for them.

The Bottom Line

PlayStation is Sony’s flagship gaming brand, offering a rich history of consoles, games, and services. While its exclusives and innovative hardware are major draws, high costs and limited ownership options through PlayStation Plus are notable drawbacks.

FAQs