A Newbie’s Guide to Sony PlayStation

The PlayStation systems have always prided itself with its immersive and memorable games over the last two decades. It has remained strong when it comes to its lineup of exceptional titles, which is why it continues to dominate in sales.

If you are planning to buy a new PlayStation console soon, here are a few things to keep in mind.

PlayStation

 This console was among the first to use CDs to play games and has a portable memory device. It can handle up to 24-bit color depth and its highest resolution is at 640 x 480. If you are going to buy the older models, there are different ports for video connections, including one model that could play VCDs so do read the descriptions on the label before purchasing. When buying controllers, the standard DualShock is the 700x series.

In addition, look for later models if you don’t want to have problems with the unit. Why should you buy a PS if there are new generation consoles? If you want to experience classic PS games, some play better with fewer problems on the PlayStation than on the PS2. You could purchase some PS classics digitally for the PS3 and PS4 but the selection is limited.

PlayStation 2


This console has over 4,000 titles and is the bestselling console of all time. With an extensive library, you’ll still find it easy to buy PS2 games these days. It is also known for its durability, but it is much cheaper now if you happen to come across one in the market. There are two types to choose from; the original or “fat” which has a 3.5-inch expansion bay for HDD and the slim PS2 with a built-in ethernet port and quieter fans.

If you want to buy a new controller, the standard is the DualShock 2, but you can also find arcade sticks if you want. Ideally, you should only purchase original products designed for the console. Additionally, you can attach as PS2 to HDMI adapter for newer TVs. The console also uses a memory card which ranges from 8 MB to 128 MB. You can play PS2 titles on the PS3 and PS4, but the selection is limited.

PlayStation 3

There are two versions of the PS3 like the PS2, but the main difference is only with the hard drive space. However, you can connect to an external hard drive, so this shouldn’t be a problem if you have plenty of digital games. It’s also compatible with Bluetooth headsets for online gaming as well as the PlayStation Eye which has a camera and microphone, and the PlayStation Move controller with motion-sensing features. To enjoy online features and find more games, you need to set up a PSN account.

 PlayStation 4

 Unlike the PS3, the PS4 uses an x86-based chip, but you can still play some PS3 games through a paid service. Another difference is in the controller which has a touchscreen, headphone jack, and the options and share buttons instead of start and select. When it comes to media, the PS3 might be easier to use than the PS4, which will need apps. But if you run out of space, you can easily format one external HDD for one PS4.