The PlayStation 3 (PS3) had an extensive and noteworthy life cycle, spanning 10 years, 6 months, and 18 days from its initial launch to the very final discontinuation of new units in any market.
Understanding the PS3's Lifecycle Stages
The duration of a console's life cycle isn't always a single, simple figure, as discontinuation often happens in phases across different regions. For the PS3, its journey began with its global debut and concluded with the very last units produced for the Japanese market.
Key Milestones in the PS3's Journey
- Initial Launch: The PlayStation 3 first launched on November 11, 2006, in North America and Japan, marking the beginning of its presence in the gaming world.
- Successor's Arrival: Sony released its successor, the PlayStation 4, in November 2013. This typically signals the winding down period for the previous generation.
- Phased Discontinuation:
- Sony began the process of discontinuing the PlayStation 3 within two years of the PS4's release (roughly by late 2015).
- Shipments of new PS3 units ceased in most parts of the world by 2016.
- The very final units of the PlayStation 3 were produced and shipped until May 29, 2017, specifically for the Japanese market, marking the definitive end of its production.
Detailed Calculation of the PS3 Life Cycle
To calculate the exact duration, we consider the earliest major launch date and the absolute final production end date:
- Start Date: November 11, 2006 (North America/Japan Launch)
- End Date: May 29, 2017 (Final Production in Japan)
From November 11, 2006, to November 10, 2016, constitutes exactly 10 full years.
Remaining period from November 11, 2016, to May 29, 2017:
- November 2016: 20 days (Nov 11 - Nov 30)
- December 2016: 31 days
- January 2017: 31 days
- February 2017: 28 days
- March 2017: 31 days
- April 2017: 30 days
- May 2017: 29 days
Alternatively, counting full months from November 11, 2016:
- November 11, 2016, to December 11, 2016: 1 month
- December 11, 2016, to January 11, 2017: 1 month
- January 11, 2017, to February 11, 2017: 1 month
- February 11, 2017, to March 11, 2017: 1 month
- March 11, 2017, to April 11, 2017: 1 month
- April 11, 2017, to May 11, 2017: 1 month
This accounts for 6 full months. From May 11, 2017, to May 29, 2017, there are an additional 18 days (29 - 11 = 18).
Therefore, the total life cycle is 10 years, 6 months, and 18 days.
PS3 Lifecycle at a Glance
| Event | Date | Duration from Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Launch | November 11, 2006 | 0 years, 0 months |
| PS4 Released | November 2013 | ~7 years |
| Global Shipments End | By 2016 | ~10 years |
| Final Production End | May 29, 2017 | 10 years, 6 months, 18 days |
This extended run allowed the PS3 to develop a vast game library and maintain a dedicated player base long after its successor's introduction.
