The PlayStation 3 is a prolific console that underwent various changes and upgrades in its lifetime. Personally, it was the first time I had ever seen a graphics jump between console generations that was so intense. The console became known for hits like the Uncharted Trilogy and was also the console where The Last of Us got its start. However, you’re here because you want to know what the release date of the PS3 was.
What is the PS3 Release Date?
The PS3 came out on November 11, 2006, in Japan, November 17, 2006, in North America, and March 23, 2007, in Europe. When it originally launched, it only came with your choice of 20, 40, 60, 80, or 120 GB of storage space. Knowing how much space games take now, it became obvious to many, especially Sony, that the console needed something more to convince people to buy it. So, they also added the ability for backwards compatibility with PS2 and PS1 games.
Now, players were able to game using a rechargeable, wireless DualShock 3 as opposed to wired controllers. They were also able to do things like browse the internet and even game with their friends with ease. Considering it competed with Nintendo’s Wii Online and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Live, having the ability to play titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 with friends for free was easier than ever.
Unfortunately, as problems began to arise with the hardware, including the infamous ‘yellow light of death,’ Sony felt it necessary to release different versions of the console. As a result, latter versions of the original PS3 were not backwards compatible. Despite players desperately crying for the return of backwards compatibility, Sony had something else in mind: slimmer consoles.
What Year Did the PS3 Slim Release?
The PS3 Slim was the answer many players were looking for in terms of space under their TVs. It was released on September 1, 2009, in North America and Europe and on September 3, 2009, in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. I’d argue that this is the version of the console that most people are familiar with, as it is the version that had the longest lifetime.
The design was much sleeker and smaller than its predecessor. Now, players didn’t need to tote around a plastic cinderblock when gaming at their friend’s house. This console version almost wholly eradicated the issues the previous had. However, as the release of the PS4 neared, the PS3 decided to have one final hurrah in the form of the PS3 Super Slim.
What Year Did the PS3 Super Slim Come Out?
The PS3 Super Slim has a messy release date because it just popped up on store shelves at the end of 2012. Utilizing a toploader disc trap and an even sleeker design than its predecessor, the Super Slim became a holiday hit for those who were anxiously awaiting the release of the PS4 the following year.
