Sony PlayStation

The PlayStation was released in Japan in December 1994, and it made its American debut in September 1995; both releases elicited critical acclaim and impressive sales. Titles such as Twisted Metal and Ridge Racer were very popular. By 2005 the PlayStation had become the first console ever to ship 100 million units.

When the PlayStation was first developed, it wasn’t originally intended to be a gaming console. Instead, it was meant to be a CD-ROM player in conjunction with Sony’s existing Trinitron TVs.  However, Sony executives decided it would be better to position it as a gaming console instead.  They chose the name “PlayStation” because it would evoke the image of fun and gaming for people of all ages.