Best PlayStation Consoles to Buy in 2025: A Complete Guide to PS5, PS4, and More with Top Deals

As the PS5 Pro is set to launch in November 2024, many gamers are eager to upgrade their consoles. If you're new to PlayStation or looking for the most affordable option, this guide will help you navigate the range of PlayStation consoles and find the best deals for UK customers.

The PlayStation Legacy: A Journey Through Time

PlayStation’s history is intertwined with the evolution of gaming itself. From the early days of the PS1, which introduced titles like Final Fantasy VII, to the modern-day PS5, which boasts epic games like God of War: Ragnarok, PlayStation has consistently pushed the boundaries of gaming. With numerous consoles released over the years, including portable editions and revisions of existing models, PlayStation continues to be a leading brand in the gaming world.

PlayStation®5 Pro Console - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Bundle

Release Date: 21st November 2024

Launch price in UK: £959.99

Where to buy for UK customers:

Available exclusively via direct.playstation.com.

To celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, Sony launched a special edition PS5 Pro bundle in a classic grey colour scheme, featuring the iconic multi-coloured PlayStation logo. The bundle, which sold out almost immediately, includes a PS5 Pro with a 2TB SSD, DualSense controllers, and a variety of anniversary-themed accessories. The limited-edition bundle was priced at £959.99 and is now being re-sold for much higher prices on platforms like eBay.

PlayStation 5 Pro

Release Date: November 7, 2024

Launch price in UK: £699.99

Where to buy for UK customers:

EE: £699.99

Very: £699

Amazon: £659.99

Playstation Direct:  £699.99

The PS5 Pro, launched in November 2024, is the mid-generation upgrade for the PS5. It focuses on enhancing frame rates and ray tracing, along with incorporating machine learning technology through PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). The PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense controller, and pre-installed Astro’s Playroom. With its sleek design and upgraded features, it’s a must-have for serious gamers. The starting price is £699.99, and it’s available at various UK retailers.

PlayStation 5 Slim

Release Date: November 10, 2023

Launch price in UK: £479.99

Where to buy for UK customers:

Very: £479

Amazon: £474

Playstation Direct: £479.99

The PlayStation 5 Slim offers a more compact design compared to the original PS5, without compromising on performance. It’s smaller, lighter, and features a modular design, allowing users to buy the console without a disc drive, with the option to add it later. The PS5 Slim starts at £479.99, making it a more affordable option for gamers who want the latest tech without the bulk.

PlayStation 5

Release Date: November 12, 2020

Launch price in UK: £699

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £449

The PlayStation 5, launched in 2020, is one of the most powerful consoles ever created, with support for 4K resolution, ray tracing, and 120FPS gaming. This console introduced the revolutionary DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. While the PS5 is on the pricier side, it remains one of the best investments for avid gamers. Starting at £699.99, it’s available at all major retailers.

PlayStation 4 Pro

Release Date: November 10, 2016

Launch price in UK: £349

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £215.95

The PS4 Pro was the first PlayStation console to support 4K gaming, offering enhanced graphics and performance for a more immersive experience. It’s perfect for gamers who want higher frame rates and sharper visuals but don't need the latest-generation hardware. It remains a solid option for those looking to upgrade from the original PS4.

PlayStation 4 Slim  

Release Date: September 15, 2016

Launch price in UK: £259

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £208.99

The PS4 Slim is a smaller and more energy-efficient version of the original PS4. While it doesn’t offer 4K support, it provides a quieter and more compact design, making it an excellent choice for casual gamers or those who don’t need the high-end features of the Pro model.

PlayStation 4

Release Date: November 15, 2013

Launch price in UK: £349

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £189.99

The PlayStation 4 made a huge impact on the gaming world when it was released in 2013. With its powerful hardware, the PS4 was able to run games at an impressive level of graphical fidelity, making it a major leap forward from its predecessor, the PS3. Titles like Uncharted 4, God of War, and The Last of Us Part II became defining moments for the console, showing off its full potential.

PlayStation 3 Super Slim

Release Date: September 25, 2012

Launch price in UK: £249

Where to buy for UK customers:
Amazon: £128.97

The PlayStation 3 Super Slim was the final revision of the PS3 and came just a year before the PS4’s release. The console was designed to be more power-efficient and featured a new, top-loading Blu-ray drive. The Super Slim was also lighter and more durable than its predecessors, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a solid, reliable gaming system.

Though it’s now considered outdated compared to the PS4 and PS5, the PS3 Super Slim still offers great value for retro gamers who want to revisit some of the iconic games from the previous generation. If you're after an affordable entry point into gaming with a broad library of games, the PS3 Super Slim is still worth considering.

PlayStation Vita

Release Date: February 22, 2012

Launch price in UK: £280

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £184.95

The PlayStation Vita was Sony’s ambitious foray into portable gaming, offering a more advanced handheld experience than its competitors. With a stunning OLED screen and the ability to play PlayStation 3 and PS4 games via Remote Play, the Vita became a beloved portable console for many gamers.

Although Sony stopped producing the Vita in 2019, it remains a cult favourite for fans of portable gaming. It’s still possible to find the PlayStation Vita at competitive prices, and it’s worth picking up if you want to play some of the fantastic games in its library, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Persona 4 Golden.

PlayStation 3 Slim

Release Date: September 1, 2009

Launch price in UK: £249

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £144.99

The PS3 Slim, released in 2009, was a more compact and power-efficient version of the original PlayStation 3. With its improved cooling system and slimmer design, the PS3 Slim was a major step up in terms of performance and size, offering a better overall experience for gamers.

Although the PS3 Slim doesn’t offer the 4K capabilities of the later PS4 or PS5 consoles, it’s still a great choice for anyone interested in playing classic titles from the PS3 era. From The Last of Us to Gran Turismo 6, the PS3 Slim offers access to a fantastic range of games at a much lower price.

PlayStation 3

Release Date: November 17, 2006

Launch price in UK: £425

Where to buy for UK customers: 

Amazon: £84.74 

The original PlayStation 3 was a groundbreaking console for its time, offering support for Blu-ray discs, online gaming via PlayStation Network, and the ability to play both PS1 and PS2 games. It also introduced the Sixaxis and later DualShock 3 controllers, which improved the gaming experience with motion-sensing features.

While the PS3 is no longer actively supported and lacks the visual prowess of the later PlayStation consoles, it remains a key piece of gaming history and is still available through third-party sellers. For those looking to play older PlayStation games, the PS3 is a solid option, especially if you're able to find it at a discounted price.

PlayStation Portable

Release Date: March 24, 2005

Launch price in UK: £179

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £44.28

The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony’s first handheld console and revolutionised portable gaming. With the ability to play full-fledged PlayStation games on the go, the PSP was a major success, offering titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and God of War: Chains of Olympus.

While the PSP has been discontinued, it's still a beloved classic for retro gamers. The console's ability to play UMDs (Universal Media Discs) and its robust library of games make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to revisit gaming on the go.

PlayStation 2 Slim

Release Date: November 2004

Launch price in UK: £299

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon:  £109.98

The PlayStation 2 Slim was a more compact version of the original PS2, and it came with improved power efficiency and a more refined design. The PS2 Slim was incredibly popular and remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

If you're a fan of classic games, the PS2 is a must-have for its library of iconic titles, including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Final Fantasy X, and Tekken 5. Finding a PS2 Slim in good condition can be challenging, but it’s still available from various third-party sellers.

PlayStation 2

Release Date: October 26, 2000

Launch price in UK: £299

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon: £97.99

The PlayStation 2 was a revolutionary console, introducing improved graphics, 3D capabilities, and access to a huge library of games. It is still the best-selling console of all time and was home to some of the most beloved games in history, such as Metal Gear Solid 2, Final Fantasy XII, and Gran Turismo 3.

Although the PS2 is long discontinued, it remains one of the most influential consoles in gaming history. Retro gaming enthusiasts will still find the PlayStation 2 a worthy addition to their collection.

PS One

Release Date: September 19, 2000

Launch price in UK: £299

Where to buy for UK customers:

Amazon:  £110.00

The PS One was a redesigned version of the original PlayStation, offering the same gaming experience in a more compact form. Despite its smaller size, it still supported the incredible library of PS1 games that defined the era.

If you're looking to relive the classics like Crash Bandicoot and Resident Evil 2, the PS One is an excellent way to do so. It remains a nostalgic piece of gaming history for collectors.

PlayStation

Release Date: September 9, 1995

The original PlayStation changed the course of gaming forever. With titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Crash Bandicoot, the PS1 introduced millions to the world of 3D gaming. Its CD-ROM format allowed for larger, more complex games that wouldn’t have been possible with cartridges.

The PS1 is a must-have for collectors and retro gamers. Finding one in working condition can be challenging, but there are still plenty of options available from third-party sellers.

From the classic PS1 to the cutting-edge PS5 Pro, PlayStation has continuously pushed the boundaries of gaming. Whether you’re looking to experience nostalgia with the original PS2 or get your hands on the latest PS5 console, there’s a PlayStation model that fits every budget and gaming need. Be sure to check out the latest PlayStation deals and exclusive voucher codes to save on your next console purchase!
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