Three decades ago, PlayStation revolutionized the gaming world with its launch in the US and Europe. To commemorate this monumental 30th anniversary, Sony has announced an incredible new book: PlayStation: The First 30 Years. This highly anticipated historical account is now available for preorder, with shipments scheduled for 2026. The standard edition can be yours for $125.
PlayStation: The First 30 Years
Available for $125 | Releasing Spring 2026
Published by Read Only Memories, a British specialist in video game history books, PlayStation: The First 30 Years is a hardcover, 400-page visual chronicle. It promises an unprecedented look into the console’s origins, featuring previously unseen images from Sony’s research and development archives, including fascinating prototypes, concept sketches, and early development models.
Beyond the visuals, the book includes insightful commentary from pivotal figures in PlayStation’s creation, such as Ken Kutaragi, Teiyu Goto, and Yujin Morisawa. The visual experience is further enhanced by new images from acclaimed photographer Benedict Redgrove (NASA: Past and Present Dreams of the Future), and the art direction is helmed by Nicole Motby and Studio.Build, the very graphic-design house behind the iconic original cover art for Wipeout, Wipeout 2097, and Wipeout 3.
PlayStation: The First 30 Years Deluxe Edition
For the ultimate collector, a limited Deluxe Edition of the book is available for $325. This exclusive version is restricted to just 1,994 copies globally, offering premium extras like exposed binding, a presentation clamshell box, and exclusive prints. With 50 copies already sold, it’s expected to sell out quickly.
While this initial release appears to be exclusive to Read Only Memories, a broader distribution through other publishers is a possibility, as seen with their other successful titles like WipEout Futurism: The Graphic Archives and Like a Hurricane: An Unofficial Oral History of Street Fighter 2, which have found worldwide audiences through partners like Thames & Hudson.
To complement your PlayStation history collection, consider The God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective Set. This two-volume hardcover collection celebrates the beloved franchise, currently priced at $81.54 (originally $100). It features stunning artwork, behind-the-scenes materials, and exclusive interviews with the creators. Volume one covers the original God of War trilogy and its spin-offs, while volume two dives deep into the development of God of War 2018 and God of War: Ragnarok.
God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective Box Set
Available for $81.54 (was $100)
God of War: 20th Anniversary Retrospective Deluxe Box Set
Available for $160 (was $200)
A Deluxe Edition of the God of War set is also available for $160 (originally $200), upgrading your collection with a two-piece slipcase cover, unique artwork, and a bifold portfolio containing a pair of lithographs.
And if books aren’t quite your style, Sony has also collaborated with Reebok to launch a special line of sneakers celebrating the original PlayStation. Three distinct sets will be released in October: the InstaPump Fury 94 for Japan, the Pump Omni Zone II for the US, and the Workout Plus for the United Kingdom.
The article also includes an image gallery showcasing various aspects of PlayStation’s history.