Multiple publications have listed at least video games as the best on the original PlayStation (PS1), the first in a brand of five consoles as of 2026. Initially planned to be a CD-ROM add-on to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the PlayStation switched to being its own console when Nintendo got out of the contract that initiated production of the add-on near its completion. The video game console became the first-ever to exceed 100 million units. Shortlist, in 2023, claimed it to be one of the best all-time video game consoles with the highest quantity of perfect 10/10 games.
The PlayStation had a lasting impact on the video games industry. Although not the first 3D console, the PS1 mainstreamed 3D graphics and had a library featuring titles considered the first to master the format, introducing several new gameplay styles. The developer-friendly hardware resulted in a varied and vast catalogue, which included extremely-long, narrative-based role-playing games, fast racers, and puzzle games. The first PlayStation also laid the foundation for most consoles released decades later, particularly in its games being released on disks which deviated from the cartridges every other successful console up to that point utilized.
PS1 titles were also influential on popular culture. Some best-of-PS1 features argued that the console made gaming "cool", as adult themes and electronic music suited for clubs became widespread tropes, which appealed to adult gamers. Several titles such as Crash Bandicoot (1996), Resident Evil (1996), Final Fantasy VII (1997), Gran Turismo (1997), Spyro the Dragon (1998), and Metal Gear Solid (1998) were released on the PS1 and launched iconic characters and franchises active to the present day.
List
+YearGameGenreDeveloperPublisher 1995Jumping Flash!PlatformSony Computer EntertainmentRaymanPlatformUbisoftSuikodenRole-playingKonami1996Crash BandicootPlatformNaughty DogSony Computer EntertainmentJet MotoRacingSonyPaRappa the RapperRhythmNanaOn-ShaSony Computer EntertainmentResident EvilSurvival horrorCapcomTomb RaiderAction-adventureCore DesignEidos InteractiveTwisted Metal 2Vehicular combatSony Computer EntertainmentWipeout XLRacingPsygnosis1997Bushido BladeFightingLightweightSquareCastlevania: Symphony of the NightAction role-playingKonamiColony WarsSpace combat simulationPsygnosisCrash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes BackPlatformNaughty DogSony Computer EntertainmentEinhänderScrolling shooterSquareFinal Fantasy TacticsRole-playingSquareFinal Fantasy VIIGran TurismoSim racingSony Computer EntertainmentI.Q.: Intelligent QubePuzzleG-ArtistsSony Computer EntertainmentKlonoa: Door to PhantomilePlatformNamcoMega Man LegendsAction-adventureCapcomMega Man X4PlatformCapcomOddworld: Abe's OddyseeCinematic platformerOddworld InhabitantsGT InteractiveTime Crisis Light-gun shooterNamcoTomb Raider IIAction-adventureCore DesignEidos Interactive1998Crash Bandicoot 3: WarpedPlatformNaughty DogSony Computer EntertainmentMetal Gear SolidStealthKonamiParasite EveRole-playingSquareResident Evil 2Survival horrorCapcomR4: Ridge Racer Type 4RacingNamcoSpyro the DragonPlatformInsomniac GamesSony Computer EntertainmentStreet Fighter Alpha 3FightingCapcomTekken 3FightingNamcoTenchu: Stealth AssassinsStealthAcquireActivisionXenogearsRole-playingSquare1999Ape EscapePlatformSony Computer EntertainmentChrono CrossRole-playingSquareCrash Team RacingKart racingNaughty DogSony Computer EntertainmentDino CrisisSurvival horrorCapcomDriver: You Are The WheelmanDrivingReflections InteractiveGT InteractiveFinal Fantasy VIIIRole-playingSquareGran Turismo 2Sim racingSony Computer EntertainmentIncredible CrisisActionPolygon MagicTitus InteractiveLegacy of Kain: Soul ReaverAction-adventureCrystal DynamicsEidos InteractiveThe Legend of DragoonRole-playingSony Computer EntertainmentMedal of HonorFirst-person shooterDreamWorks InteractiveElectronic Arts Resident Evil 3: NemesisSurvival horrorCapcomSilent BomberActionCyberConnectBandaiSilent HillSurvival horrorKonamiSpyro 2: Ripto's Rage!PlatformInsomniac GamesSony Computer EntertainmentSyphon FilterThird-person shooterEidetic989 StudiosTony Hawk's Pro SkaterSports (skateboarding)NeversoftActivisionUm Jammer LammyRhythmNanaOn-ShaSony Computer EntertainmentVib-RibbonRhythmNanaOn-ShaSony Computer EntertainmentWipeout 3RacingPsygnosis2000Driver 2DrivingReflections InteractiveInfogramesFinal Fantasy IXRole-playingSquareMedal of Honor: UndergroundFirst-person shooterDreamworks InteractiveElectronic ArtsSpider-ManAction-adventureNeversoftActivisionSpyro: Year of the DragonPlatformInsomniac GamesSony Computer EntertainmentSyphon Filter 2Third-person shooterEidetic989 StudiosTales of EterniaAction role-playingNamcoTony Hawk's Pro Skater 2Sports (skateboarding)NeversoftActivisionVagrant StoryAction role-playingSquare2001Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3Sports (skateboarding)Shaba GamesActivision O2
Publications For instances of at least four citations, they are in the notes section displaying which publications considered the entry one of the best.
CNET – 2015 Den of Geek – 2023 Destructoid – 2024 Digital Trends – 2024 For The Win – 2022 GameSpot – 2025 HobbyConsolas – 2014 IGN – 2025 London Evening Standard – 2024 Marca – 2024 news.com.au – 2022 Polygon – 2018 Racketboy – 2008, 2009 Radio Times – 2024 Retro Gamer – 2026 Shortlist – 2023 Stuff – 2022 Time Extension – 2024
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