The Story Of PlayStation Games

In 1994, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) was founded as the North America division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Taking approximately four years to develop, the PlayStation® game console was introduced in the United States in 1995.

The launch of the PlayStation brand was a sensation. In the very first weekend, more than 100,000 units were sold. In the first six months, over a million were sold. In April 1997, with nearly 4 million PlayStation® game consoles in North America, we found a way to strengthen our bond with PlayStation® owners even more. Our interactive relationship marketing program, PlayStation® Underground, gives us the opportunity to recognize and reward our loyal gamers. Members of the PlayStation® Underground can feel as though they belong to a subculture of intense gamers by experiencing new game challenges and getting the scoop on upcoming games, merchandise, and special offers.

The company next set its sights on development of the PlayStation®2, which became available to consumers in November 2000. With its incredible power and the exciting added ability to play CDs and DVD movies, this new system was unstoppable, making it possible for smooth, lifelike animation to be shown in real time. Then in August 2002, the company introduced the option to play games online with the new Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2).

In March 2005, the PlayStation®Portable (PSP™) was launched in North America, bringing an unparalleled gaming experience to a handheld platform. With graphics rendering capability comparable to that of the PlayStation® 2 system, the PSP™ features a 4.3-inch widescreen, high-resolution TFT display.

On November 17, 2006, Sony released the PLAYSTATION®3. PLAYSTATION®3 is the most advanced computer system that serves as a platform to enjoy next generation computer entertainment contents in the home, realized through the combination of Cell and RSX™ processors, in addition to the compatibility of a vast catalog of PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 software titles. With its Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD), users will be able to use the PLAYSTATION®3 to download a variety of online contents as well as access online games. Equipped with basic input/output ports, PLAYSTATION®3 supports a broad range of displays from conventional NTSC/PAL standard TVs to the latest full HD (1080i/1080p) flat panel displays, offering the joy of the most advanced computer entertainment contents to homes around the world.