PlayStation is a video game console device created by Sony Computer Entertainment that competes with other gaming platforms like Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo’s Wii. The series began with the release of the original PlayStation (also known as the PS One) in 1994, which utilized CDs to store games and marked the console industry’s shift from cartridge-based systems. The console’s design was innovative at the time, offering features such as a built-in hard drive, motion control through the controller and a high definition graphics display.
The PlayStation’s success was largely due to its extensive game library, popular franchises and aggressive youth marketing. Early franchises included Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon and Tekken, which helped PlayStation gain a foothold in the home entertainment market. In addition to the console, PlayStation also spawned handheld PlayStation Portable devices and online services like the PlayStation Network. The PlayStation 5 builds on previous generations of the console and offers several improvements including the ability to enjoy a game’s high frame rate or resolution mode with the press of a button and improved load times.
The console also introduced Trophies, a series of achievements that gamers can earn while playing games. These can range from collecting every item in a game to completing a level without dying. Players can even receive an avatar and PlayStation theme for earning a platinum trophy. Despite the successes of the PlayStation, it has suffered setbacks such as the PlayStation Network hack in 2011 that brought the service down for 23 days.