On a day like today, December 3rd, exactly 30 years ago, Sony launched its first PlayStation console in Japan. The company couldn’t have known at the time, but that day would shape the childhood, youth, and lives of multiple generations of gamers. For those of us with a few gray hairs, moments like this fill us with equal parts nostalgia and memories. I can’t forget my first games on the original PSX or PS1 (yes, I actually had both versions).
The story of that first console speaks for itself: with over 102 million units sold worldwide, a catalog of nearly 8,000 different titles, and more than a decade of uninterrupted activity in the market, Sony undeniably began a legacy that survives to this day and thrives, as only it could.
The Japanese company is celebrating the anniversary in various ways: a PlayStation Store sale with discounts on over 2,000 PS5 and PS4 titles, a nostalgically themed aesthetic update for its latest console, and a nostalgic video that strikes a chord with the entire community. The video revisits some of the greatest moments (SPOILERS INCLUDED) from the most iconic titles across their famous consoles. You can enjoy it below, but make sure to have some tissues ready.
This tribute, which is the perfect way to describe this remarkable video, features a little of everything. Above all, it highlights narrative-driven adventures that have defined PlayStation over the past decade. We’re talking about titles like The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon, Ghost of Tsushima, to name a few. These include games from first, second, and third-party studios like Death Stranding, Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, and Tomb Raider. Yes, my friend, if you haven’t hit play on the video yet, now is the perfect moment to scroll back up and watch it. Go ahead, do it.
The video also features games from beloved internal studios like Naughty Dog and the Uncharted series, as well as from studios that left their mark but no longer exist, such as Japan Studio. Titles like Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian are also celebrated. The tribute includes important franchises for Sony’s consoles, like EA Sports FC and Call of Duty. Iconic moments such as the appearance of the first zombie in Resident Evil or the bridge dragon in Demon’s Souls are remembered. Other legends like Jax, Assassin’s Creed, Metal Gear, Kingdom Hearts, Sly Cooper, Little Big Planet, NBA 2K, and more have joined the celebration. It’s safe to say that very few major franchises are missing from this homage.
Additionally, Sony has given the PS5 a very nostalgic and emotional update. For a limited time, players can change the appearance and sound of their console, choosing from five different styles: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and the 30th Anniversary. These changes affect the main menu background image, the sound when navigating through menus, and the console startup sequence, undoubtedly bringing a tear to more than a few eyes.
This 30th Anniversary of PlayStation coincides with maintenance for the Bloodborne servers. This acclaimed FromSoftware game, exclusive to PS4, has long been the subject of requests for a PC version, a remake, or a remaster, especially since it never received its much-anticipated upgrade for PS4 Pro. Interestingly, Sony chose Bloodborne as the final game to appear in its emotional montage. You and I both know there are no coincidences, but we also shouldn’t get our hopes up.
Even so, this date will remain etched in our memories and hearts for many years to come. I say this without hesitation because PlayStation has undeniably made HISTORY. And we know you are as much a part of that history as we are. So, this is the moment when we invite you to share your best memories of using PlayStation consoles in the comments. Tell us about the moments you treasure, those anecdotes that make you feel nostalgic when you remember them. Of course, we have ours too. You know, gamer, we’ll be reading you! 😊
Images Source: PlayStation Official YouTube Channel, PlayStation 30th Anniversary Official Website
