Free standard delivery over £50 · 30-day returns · UK stock

Platform Guide

PlayStation 1

Sony's first console changed everything. From 1994 to 2006, the PlayStation defined a generation with polygon graphics, CD-ROM gaming, and an iconic library spanning JRPGs, racers, and action adventures.

1+Items listed
1994Launch year
102MUnits sold
PlayStation 1 console with controller

PS1 Consoles & Hardware

View all consoles
Gran Turismo 2 on PlayStation 1

The Console That Changed Everything

Released in Japan in December 1994 and in Europe in September 1995, the original PlayStation was Sony's bold entry into the console market — and it redefined the industry. With a CD-ROM drive, 32-bit processing, and a library that grew to over 7,900 titles, it outsold the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn combined.

The PSone slim model, released in 2000, shrank the hardware to a fraction of the original's size while keeping full compatibility. Both models are fully supported by the same library of games.

Browse All Consoles

PlayStation 1 Timeline

From launch to legacy — the key moments in PS1 history.

1994
Launch in Japan

The PlayStation launches in Japan on 3 December 1994 at ¥39,800. Ridge Racer and Battle Arena Toshinden are launch titles.

1995
European & US Launch

PlayStation arrives in North America (September) and Europe (September). Tekken, WipEout, and Destruction Derby define the early library.

1997
Final Fantasy VII

Square's landmark JRPG sells over 10 million copies and cements the PlayStation as the home of story-driven gaming.

1998
DualShock Controller

Sony introduces the DualShock with dual analogue sticks and vibration feedback — a controller design that persists to this day.

2000
PSone Slim Released

The compact PSone redesign launches alongside a matching LCD screen. Sells 28 million units on its own.

2006
Production Ends

After 12 years and over 102 million units sold, PlayStation 1 production officially ends. Its legacy lives on through emulation and retro collecting.

Essential PlayStation 1 Games

The PS1 library spans over 7,900 titles. Here are the genres and franchises that defined the platform:

JRPGs

Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, Chrono Cross, Vagrant Story — the PS1 was the golden age of the Japanese RPG.

Racing

Gran Turismo, Ridge Racer, WipEout, Colin McRae Rally — the PS1 had the best racing library of its era.

Action / Adventure

Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Tomb Raider, Metal Gear Solid — iconic franchises born on PlayStation.

Fighting

Tekken 3, Street Fighter Alpha, Soul Blade — the PS1 was the arcade fighter's home console of choice.

Frequently Asked Questions — PlayStation 1

Do PS1 games work on a PS2?

Yes. The PlayStation 2 is fully backwards compatible with all PS1 games. You can play your PS1 disc collection on any PS2 console.

What's the difference between the original PlayStation and the PSone?

The PSone (released 2000) is a smaller, redesigned version of the original PlayStation. Both play the same games. The PSone is more compact and runs slightly cooler, but lacks the parallel I/O port found on early PS1 models.

Are PS1 games region-locked?

Yes, PS1 games are region-locked. PAL games (UK/Europe) will only run on PAL consoles without modification. All our stock is clearly labelled by region.

Do you sell PS1 memory cards?

We occasionally stock PS1 memory cards — check our accessories section. PS1 games require a memory card to save progress as there is no internal storage.