The Evolution Of PlayStation

Releasing the most popular console of all time wasn’t enough for Sony. They also had their sights on the handheld market, releasing the PlayStation Portable in 2005.

Although it wasn't Sony's first handheld offering (the PocketStation peripheral hit Japanese shelves in 1999), the PSP was their first serious attempt to compete with the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.

First announced at E3 2003, the PSP was touted as being able to run games at a similar level as the PlayStation 2, using small, Sony-patented UMD discs. Moreover, their handheld console would also have internet connectivity and allow users to watch DVD-quality movies. It could do far much more than what the DS could, and subsequently became a massive hit around the world.

Sony would continue to support its newest member of the family for years to come, offering firmware updates that brought new features alongside releasing some truly excellent games, like GTA: Liberty City Stories and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker that players could enjoy wherever they went.

Meanwhile, PS2 continued to impress. The release of the EyeToy peripheral and brand-new slim version of the console kept things fresh as Sony moved towards the next generation.