Are PS1 still being made?
No, Sony ended production on the groundbreaking original PlayStation (PS1) over 15 years ago in March 2006. First launched in Japan in December 1994 before arriving in North America in September 1995, the disc-based PS1 ushered in the modern era of 3D gaming and went on to become the first console to ship 100 million units globally.
PS1 Lifetime Sales Figures Confirm Its Dominance
According to Sony, cumulative PS1 hardware sales topped 102.4 million units by the time manufacturing ceased in 2006. For comparison, Sony’s chief rival Nintendo 64 managed only 33 million units sold during its lifespan up to 2003. Over 960 million PS1 software units were purchased representing thousands of game titles – cementing its place as one of the highest-selling consoles ever conceived.
Surging Demand for Used PS1 Consoles and Games
So while Sony no longer produces new PlayStation 1 units, there is still tremendous interest in the PS1 among both retro collectors and gaming enthusiasts. Used and refurbished PS1 consoles regularly sell for substantial sums on eBay. Highly sought after games like Final Fantasy VII or Metal Gear Solid can command prices of $100 or more for rare mint condition copies. There seems to be no shortage of demand for original Sony PlayStation software and hardware more than 25 years after initial launch.
| Total PS1 Units Sold | 102.4 million |
| Total PS1 Games Sold | 960+ million |
| Year PS1 Production Ended | 2006 |
What‘s Behind the PS1‘s Staying Power After 15+ Years?
There are likely several reasons contributing to the original PlayStation console‘s ongoing desirability decades after its retail debut:
- Accessible and easy to emulate on modern devices using software like DuckStation
- Library of over 7,900 released games featuring many iconic titles that stand test of time
- Revolutionary 3D graphics that were breathtaking at time of launch
- Nostalgia factor and retro appeal to original PlayStation generation gamers
- Timeless classics like Castlevania: Symphony of The Night and Spyro still fun to revisit
The PS1 game library’s combination of depth and sheer playability makes Sony’s inaugural console an appealing ongoing target for collectors and ordinary gamers alike even today.
Occasional New Releases Show PS1 Still Has Some Life
While profoundly overshadowed by current generation platforms like PS5, the venerable PlayStation 1 still sees a rare batch of new game releases even in 2024.
In recent years, small indie developers and publishers have sporadically released fresh PS1 titles in physical and digital forms – aimed squarely at retro enthusiasts. Examples include:
- Reverie Knights Tactics by 1Print Games (2022)
- Mizzurna Falls By Watermelon Games (2021)
- Xenocider By Retro Reinstallation (2021)
These modern 2D sprite-based productions released on actual PS1 CD-ROMs demonstrate there remains at least a minor commercial allure to supporting the vintage hardware decades later. However, practical constraints of developing for severely underpowered 25+ year old PlayStation technology clearly prohibits any significant level of new software.
Is the PS1‘s Popularity Here to Stay?
Barring a sudden shift away from retro gaming appreciation, original PlayStation systems, accessories, and games figure to remain coveted collectibles into the foreseeable future. The PS1‘s lush 3D worlds, pick-up-and-play ease of access, and legendary hall of fame worthy library endorse its staying power.
For gamers and collectors alike, the PS1 seems poised to remain an integral, beloved part of gaming‘s history. Even though its production line has long gone dark, the PlayStation 1‘s legacy lights up many gamers‘ passion by allowing them to re-experience its many groundbreaking, unforgettable interactive adventures. Nearly three decades later, the PS1 still captivates imaginations worldwide.
