The PlayStation & PS1

Sony released the first console of video games, The PlayStation, in 1994. Locally, the price was $299. At that time, this console featured 3D graphic technology in real-time and was the fastest processor in gaming. What made it so popular? Sony released the Dualshock controller, unlike any other gaming console at the time. The controllers used twin motors to provide the user with vibrating input, based on what was going on on-screen. In this way, the controller vibration serves as a point of touch between the user and the video game. A slimmer model was later developed called the PS one, which replaced the original model. The killer feature for this game console was the music player, enabling it to play audio CD’s.

Want to check your MOT? Simply enter your car’s registration number on our MOT checker, and we’ll instantly provide the date when your MOT expires.

PlayStation 2

SONY DSC

Sony released the PlayStation 2 later in 2000. Sony retained the console’s same graphical rectangular appearance, but instead of the bland grey colour made it sleeker and blacker. When the Internet became more popular in developers, Sony was the first console to adopt the Internet when part of gaming. A Network Adapter was released two years after it was released which allowed gamers to play those games online. This feature allowed gamers to play with other gamers across the globe, thereby creating a more immersive experience for the user. In addition, a Web browser was built into the “Surf the Internet” computer, which became the killer feature. The PS2‘s controller DualShock 2, kept the same look like the PS1 but featured subtle enhancements that gamers appreciated, such as the press-sensitive face buttons. The PlayStation 2 came with over 10,000 games because PS1 was so successful, to give the user a more enjoyable and engaging experience.

Do you know? Now you can book your MOT in 3 step

PlayStation 3

Sony’s goal over the years has been to make the PlayStation more user-centred. On 11 November 2006, the PS3 was first released in Japan. The PS3 was released in version 20 GB or 60 GB. The PS3 became the first Blu-ray-drive console. The launch of PlayStation Network has also come together with the introduction of the PS3. It allowed gamers to connect to the internet, play games, watch Netflix, and more. The PS3 stayed black like the PS2 before it but gradually slimmed down with a new redesign in August 2009. It was 33 per cent smaller and a third less power was used. If that wasn’t enough, the new PS3 iteration is the “super-slim,” weighing around 4.3 pounds. The PS3 controller kept the same look like its predecessor but it had made some changes. The Dualshock 3 became wireless and had feedback from vibration and motion sensors, which was not available in the Sixaxis (the controller model prior to the Dualshock 3). This controller also allowed and weighed up the six degrees of freedom. It came with a mini-B USB port for charging, too. The Dualshock 3 had a home button which allowed the user to go back through applications to the home screen. 

Want to check your MOT? Simply enter your car’s registration number on our MOT checker, and we’ll instantly provide the date when your MOT expires.

PlayStation 4

The generation of eight is upon us. Sony never produced a console that’s as user-centric as the PS4. One can do something on the PS4, literally. The PS4 came out on 5 November 2013. The PS4 initially cost US$399.99, which is, shockingly, one of the PlayStation family’s lowest launch price. With a 500 GB hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and 4 K video support, the PS4 was released. This console features a three-fold faster Blu-ray drive than the PS3’s, 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, in-game chat and more. The console is far more interactive than the PS3. It allows players to link their profiles on Facebook and Twitter to their game and play under their real names and compete with their friends on Facebook. The PS4 offers access to all of Spotify, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Instant Video‘s main streaming services. Admittedly the Dualshock 4 is the best controller ever made. The Dualshock 4 is similar to the Dualshock 3, but it has incorporated some new features to give the user a better experience. This had a share and options button instead of the start and select buttons its predecessor had which made this easier for the user to use. Sony noticed the spike in video gameplay, and they made it super easy to do so. Gamers can immediately stream their gameplay live via Twitch.tv with the Share button, post screenshots to Facebook or Twitter, or post or save video of the gameplay. For a more immersive and engaging experience, the Dualshock 4 came with a touch-pad. The top of the gamepad features a light bar with three LEDs illuminating in different colours that can be used to identify players by matching the colours of the characters they are controlling in a game or by changing patterns or colours in response to the gameplay. 

PlayStation 5 

Although a precise date has yet to be announced, Sony has confirmed that the release date for PS5 has Holiday 2020, setting up a battle royal for Christmas 2020 between the PS5 and the upcoming Xbox Series X. 

We actually know what the PS5 looks like after months of wild rumours, leaks and renders, and it’s not as everyone expected. It will almost certainly prove divisive and can age fast, but at first glance we‘re impressed.

So far, Sony has opted to display the PS5 almost exclusively in its vertical orientation (it can also be horizontally positioned), where its white shell looks like a high-collared catsuit with a gap that plunges beyond what others would find respectable and generates a ‘V’ to signify that this is the PlayStation console of the fifth generation. 

A new DualShock controller comes with a new PlayStation except for this time it does not. Sony has gone to the next level and developed the PS5 partnering DualSense controller.

It’s a sleek, modern-looking style with a two-tone finish in place of the DualShock regular single hue. Sony has promised the latest controller “can captivate all of your senses as you connect with the virtual worlds in PS5 games. DualSense ‘s technology, combined with PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, can give players a fresh sense of immersion.”

According to the March 2020 PS5 update from Cerny, an internal SSD has been the game developers’ most requested feature and, as expected, that is exactly what the PS5 is confirmed to deliver. It provides 100x faster load speeds compared to an HDD, according to Cerny, which means no load screens, ultra-fast streaming and ultra-fast boot speeds too..

It is believed that Sony will also increase its focus on the subscription-based cloud gaming platform PlayStation Now and its Remote Play feature.

Microsoft and Sony recently announced they are working together on cloud computing technologies, which will give PlayStation Now almost certainly a boost. The platform has been incomplete until now as far as top gaming titles go and there have been problems with lag and disconnects.

Get the best quote for your car from the nearest garage in your locality.