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Game Capsule
Launch

Console encyclopedia

Sony · 1994

PlayStation

PS1 Emulator Online

Home consoleGeneration 5

Sony’s first PlayStation paired CD-ROM software with dedicated hardware for textured 3D graphics.[1]

Game CapsulePlanned
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PlayStation hardware artwork
PlayStation · Sony
First launch
1994
Manufacturer
Sony
Category
Home console
Generation
5
Media
CD-ROM
01

The console story

PlayStation emerged after Sony’s proposed CD collaboration with Nintendo ended. Sony Computer Entertainment launched its own console in Japan in December 1994.[1]

CD capacity supported recorded music, video and larger game worlds. The controller evolved from a digital pad to analog controls and the vibrating DualShock.[1]

02

A history in milestones

  1. 1994
    Japan

    [1]

  2. 1995
    North America

    [1]

  3. 1995
    Europe

    [1]

  4. 2000
    PS one

    Compact redesigned model.[1]

03

Technical profile

Processor
MIPS R3000A-derived · 33.87 MHz[2]
Memory
2 MB main RAM + 1 MB video RAM[2]
Display & graphics
Custom GPU · textured polygons[2]
Media
CD-ROM[2]
Audio
SPU · 24 voices[2]
Power
Mains power (model dependent)[1]
Input & connectivity
Two controller ports + two memory-card slots[2]
05

Why it mattered

The disc-based 3D era

Its software ecosystem connected arcade conversions, cinematic action games and large role-playing games. The smaller PS one extended the hardware family in 2000.[1]

Sony’s official history reports more than 102 million PlayStation consoles sold worldwide, including PS one.[6]

06

Defining games

Years refer to the earliest release of the named version. Games are historical references; GameCapsule does not distribute them.

01

Final Fantasy VII

A disc-based role-playing adventure with cinematic presentation.[3]

02

Metal Gear Solid

Stealth action with a strong narrative focus.[4]

03

Gran Turismo

A driving game organized around racing and car collection.[5]

07

Hardware variants

PlayStation

Original console and later board revisions.[1]

PS one

Compact redesigned model.[1]

08

Accessories & ecosystem

Memory Card
External storage for game saves.[1]
Multitap
Additional controller connections.[1]
DualShock
Analog sticks and vibration.[1]
09

System family

Related systems in the collection. These links do not imply technical compatibility.

PlayStation 2 hardware artwork

2000 · Related platform

PlayStation 2

PlannedPSP hardware artwork

2004 · Related platform

PSP

Planned
10

Hardware gallery

PlayStation hardware artwork

PlayStation

PlayStation

Photo: Evan-Amos / Wikimedia Commons (public domain) Public domain (PD-self), released worldwide by the copyright holder

Console artwork from the Game Capsule collection. No gameplay screenshot is shown.

11

GameCapsule support

Planned

This system is represented in the catalog. Its emulator, file import and gameplay are not available today. There is no announced release date.

Expand beyond Game Boy while preserving a coherent collection. Other consoles remain catalog-only.

Bring your own compatible game files. Game Capsule does not include commercial games.

Explore the roadmap

Sources & further reading

  1. Historical overview and model chronology ↗

    Historical narrative, regional release precision, model chronology, commercial context and accessories

    Reviewed 2026-09-30
  2. Rodrigo Copetti · hardware architecture research ↗

    Processor, memory, graphics, audio and hardware interfaces

    Reviewed 2026-09-30
  3. Final Fantasy VII · release history ↗

    Named game/version release year; descriptive context

    Reviewed 2026-09-30
  4. Metal Gear Solid · release history ↗

    Named game/version release year; descriptive context

    Reviewed 2026-09-30
  5. Gran Turismo · release history ↗

    Named game/version release year; descriptive context

    Reviewed 2026-09-30
  6. Sony · official PlayStation history ↗

    Launch context, hardware revisions and reported sales

    Reviewed 2026-09-30