PlayStation

The PlayStation is a video game console manufactured by Sony. It was the best-selling console of its time, beating out competitor Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn by a wide margin. Part of its success can be attributed to is heavy use of third-party licensing, which allowed Sony to include gamed developed by other companies to be played on the PlayStation. The Playstation's success led to the development of subsequent consoles PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, and the hand-held PlayStation Portable. After its long and successful run, Sony stopped manufacturing PlayStation units in 2006.

Fast Facts

1. Maker: Sony
2. Generation: 5th
3. Debut: September 1, 1995
4. 102.49M sold
5. Top-seller: Gran Turismo
6. Controller input: Dual Analog and DualShock
7. Customer Support: 800-345-7669
8. No longer manufactured

Game Changer

As the most popular and best-selling console of its time, the PlayStation was an important milestone in the evolution of home console gaming for various reasons. One thing it did was break Nintendo's hold on the home console market, where it had lead the race since the release of its Nintendo Entertainment System in 1983. As a late comer to the console wars, Sony proved that companies with a quality product could enter the race, and was followed by Microsoft a few years later. Another aspect of the PlayStation's impact was its use of CDs instead of the standard cartridges. Production cost for CDs are substantially lower, and they are capable of holding more data that a cartridge. With this move Sony provided the model for all future home consoles.

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