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PlayStation

Sony PlayStation wall at Gamescom 2019. (Image Source: Laura Heimann on Unsplash.com)

When people talk about modern-day gaming, PlayStation will inevitably be a part of the conversation. 

The brand was founded in 1994, and has been pushing the video game industry forward ever since. For the last 30 years, PlayStation has delivered one innovation after another, whether it was in the form of a blockbuster title, a new console, or a peripheral that enhanced the gaming experience. They have also evolved gracefully with time, setting the industry standard for online multiplayer infrastructure and communication with their PlayStation Network service. 

The brand has had its setbacks and growing pains over the years, including such things as multiple PlayStation Network hacks that made millions of players’ information vulnerable, but they seem to be doing ok. PlayStation chalked up a staggering $27 billion in total revenue for the entirety of 2022. From Parappa the Rapper to Ratchet & Clank and Gran Turismo to Death Stranding, PlayStation is where gamers go to play their favorite titles across many genres.

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What is PlayStation?

PlayStation is the video game arm of Sony, the massive Japanese conglomerate that is responsible for some of the best TV, film, and tech products of the past several decades. Ever heard of the Walkman? Or the Spider-Man movies? That was all them.

However, you’re probably much more familiar with Sony for their work on PlayStation, and we couldn’t blame you. PlayStation consoles have become the default place to play many of the current most popular video game franchises, including Call of Duty, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and Rocket League.

That kind of reputation didn’t form overnight, or even over just one console generation. PlayStation has consistently provided some of the best hardware and player experiences since it debuted back in 1994. Let’s take a look at the video game consoles that built Sony into what it is today.

History of PlayStation Consoles

1994 - Original PlayStation (later PS1)

The Original PlayStation. (Image Source: Claudio Luiz Castro on Unsplash.com)

Sony’s first-ever console. The hardware that would be launched as the PlayStation was actually originally developed as a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, who were exploring a disk-based console as gaming moved away from cartridges. Nintendo stabbed Sony in the back, backed out of the deal, and Sony engineer/future CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Ken Kutaragi launched the PlayStation.

Some iconic games from this generation:

  • Crash Bandicoot

  • Spyro the Dragon

  • Metal Gear Solid

  • Silent Hill

  • Final Fantasy VII

2000 - PS2

The PS2 Slim and a collection of games. (Image Source: Denise Jans on Unsplash.com)

The PS1 introduced Sony to the world of video games, but the PS2 established them as a force to be reckoned with. As of today, the PS2 is STILL the best-selling console of all time, with 155 million units sold. This was thanks in no small part to the wild popularity of the console that required it to be developed well after the launch of its successor. The PS2 wasn’t discontinued until 2013!

Some iconic games from this generation:

  • God of War 1 and 2

  • Metal Gear Solid 2 and 3

  • Resident Evil 4

  • Grand Theft Auto (Vice City and San Andreas)

  • Shadow of the Colossus

2007 - PS3

The Big Kahuna: an original PS3 console. (Image Source: Nikita Kostrykin on Unsplash.com)

The PS3 had kind of a rocky start due to its exorbitant price tag, but eventually settled in to become another success for PlayStation. The console made waves with its graphics and included a Blu-ray disc drive, which was something that was new and extremely expensive at the time. It was also the console that launched the PlayStation Network and started PlayStation’s digital evolution.

Some iconic games from this generation:

  • The Last of Us

  • Dark Souls

  • Metal Gear Solid 4

  • Uncharted

  • Bioshock

2013 - PS4

A PS4 console. (Image Source: Teddy GR on Unsplash.com)

By the time the PS4 rolled around, PlayStation was the top dog of gaming in the eyes of many gamers. They had a healthy stable of exclusive games, great relationships with third-party developers, and services that were up to the task of an increasingly online world. Further solidifying their position is the fact that the PS4 was both more powerful AND cheaper than its closest competitor, the Xbox One

Some iconic games from this generation:

  • God of War 2018

  • Marvel’s Spider-Man

  • The Witcher III

  • Persona 5

  • Red Dead Redemption 2

2020 - PS5

Sony's latest and greatest, the PS5. (Image Source: Triyanish Gill on Unsplash.com)

The PS5 is PlayStation’s current console, and it definitely continues its legacy. Boasting the best graphics to date, the advanced DualSense controller that increases immersion, and hardware that makes loading times almost a thing of the past, the PS5 is a console most gamers would be happy to make space for in their entertainment centers.

Some iconic games from this generation:

  • Elden Ring

  • God of War Ragnarok

  • Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

  • Ghost of Tsushima

  • Returnal

PlayStation’s legacy also includes two handhelds: the PSP and the PlayStation Vita. Neither one managed to be as successful as their console brethren or even the handheld competition from Nintendo, but they live on in the hearts of their most devoted fans. 

The PlayStation Network

An image of the PlayStation Plus website. (Image Source: PlayStation Plus Website)

Launched in 2007 alongside the PS3, the PlayStation Network has become the cornerstone of the brand. It’s a store that contains all of the latest and greatest games, it’s an infrastructure that connects friends from around the world, and it’s a window into other services like PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus. 

It has also evolved over time, changing form to fit the required functions of consoles as things progressed. The version of the PlayStation Network that’s available on the PS3 isn’t the same one that’s available on the PlayStation Vita, the PS4, or even the PS5. 

The PlayStation Network accepts the currency of the region you are located in. You just need to make an appropriate PlayStation Network Account for wherever you are, connect a credit card, and you’re good to go!

If you’re a younger gamer or someone who doesn’t have access to a credit card, then there are also PlayStation Store gift cards you can purchase. These gift cards can be found in denominations of:

  • $10 PlayStation Store gift cards

  • $25 PlayStation Store gift cards

  • $50 PlayStation Store gift cards

  • $75 PlayStation Store gift cards

  • $100 PlayStation Store gift cards

Different regions also have different denominations. For instance, Brazil has a R$30 PlayStation Store gift card, and the UK has a £35.00 PlayStation Store gift card

What is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus is PlayStation’s subscription service. When you subscribe to PlayStation Plus, you gain access to a swath of options across consoles, including:

  • Online Multiplayer

  • Cloud Saves

  • Discounts on the PlayStation Store

  • Free Monthly Games

  • And more!

It’s worth noting that PlayStation Plus is required in order to play online games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Zombies, Apex Legends, Fortnite, and now Roblox with friends. 

In 2022, Sony introduced a tiered subscription model for PlayStation Plus. The base tier would offer all of the perks subscribers had become familiar with, while higher tiers would include extra perks and services at a higher price.

Here is a breakdown of the current state of PlayStation Plus memberships (as of October 2023)

Essential ($9.99 per month/$80 per year)

  • Monthly Games

  • Online Multiplayer

  • Exclusive Discounts

  • Cloud Storage

  • Share Play

  • Game Help

Extra ($14.99 per month/$134.99 per year)

  • Everything from Essential, plus

  • Game Catalog

  • Ubisoft+ Classics

Premium ($17.99 per month/$159.99 per year)

  • Everything in Essential and Extra, plus

  • Classics Catalog

  • Game Trials

  • Cloud Streaming

Essentially, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium give players a huge library games to play and different ways to play them. The Game Catalog that is part of the Extra subscription is a collection of modern or new games that subscribers can download and play at all times, while the Classics Catalog is a list of top games from PlayStation throughout history, including games like Ape Escape, Syphon Filter, and others. The Premium membership also adds cloud streaming that allows you to stream a handful of games, which used to be part of a separate service called PlayStation Now. Occasionally, brand new titles will launch straight into PlayStation Plus for subscribers to enjoy free of charge.

In order to enjoy PlayStation Plus, you need a few things in addition to a PlayStation Console: a PlayStation account, a payment method, and high-speed internet. You can also buy PlayStation Plus gift cards to keep a subscription going, but you will still need a payment method on your account details.

What are Some of the Most Popular PlayStation Games?

PlayStation has been the home to a number of exclusive franchises over the years, many of which have become icons of the video game industry. Let’s take a look at just a few of them.

Note: this section will only include franchises that are currently exclusive to PlayStation consoles and PC or developed by Sony-owned studios

God of War

God of War Ragnarok. (Image Source: PlayStation.com

Developer: Santa Monica Studio

The first God of War game hit the PS2 in 2005, and quickly became an iconic Sony franchise. The combination of Greek mythology, hyper-violence, and intense action made it difficult to put down, and gamers have followed Kratos ever since. The 2018 reboot/sequel changed the game again, and its sequel Ragnarok sets up the franchise to go in exciting new directions. It turns out people want to battle mythical creatures in epic-scale fights. Who knew?

Santa Monica Studio has only developed God of War games since 2005.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us Part I. (Image Source: PlayStation.com)

Developer: Naughty Dog

When The Last of Us hit the PS3 in 2013, it set the standard for cinematic gameplay and gritty storytelling that would define the coming generation of games. It was a hit franchise from the start, and grew to encompass a sequel and an HBO-produced series that is currently ongoing. 

The Last of Us’s success shouldn’t have come as a surprise, since Naughty Dog is also responsible for a number of other PlayStation franchises, including Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, and Uncharted.

Spider-Man

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. (Image Source: PlayStation.com

Developer: Insomniac Games

Marvel’s Spider-Man arrived on the PS4 in 2018 to save fans of the hero from a seemingly never-ending string of bad games. The PS4 exclusive was anything but, going on to win awards for its interpretation of the characters and gameplay that actually made you feel like Spider-Man.

The original game along with its standalone spinoff Spider-Man: Miles Morales was developed by Insomniac Studios, the minds behind PlayStation staples Spyro the Dragon, Ratchet & Clank, the Resistance series, and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine.

Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo 7. (Image Source: PlayStation.com)

Developer: Polyphony Digital

Debuting in 1997, Gran Turismo could be considered the backbone of the PlayStation brand. One of its oldest franchises, Gran Turismo has sold more than 90 million copies since its release, earning nearly $5 billion in revenue.

Polyphony Digital is behind the boundary-pushing franchise, and it’s the only game series they make.

How Do PlayStation Gift Cards Work?

PlayStation gift card art. (Image Source: PlayStation.com)

Confusingly, all of the PlayStation gift cards currently available work the same, but they do look different. 

In the past, If you needed to start or extend your PlayStation Plus subscription, you could have bought a 3, 6, or 12-month card from any store. Sony discontinued those in 2022, and now their PlayStation Plus gift cards and PlayStation Store gift cards are the same.

However, there are specially-branded PlayStation Plus gift cards that were introduced around the same time. These can be bought at most retailers in the following denominations:

  • $30 PlayStation Plus gift card

  • $55 PlayStation Plus gift card

  • $70 PlayStation Plus gift card

  • $110 PlayStation Plus gift card

Prior to the PlayStation Plus price hike in September 2023, these cards contained the exact amount of money you needed to purchase each level of PlayStation Plus. You can still purchase them to add to your subscription, but you’ll still have to cover the difference and tax. 

As a bonus, they can also be used to buy games on the PlayStation Store!

Can I Buy and Sell PlayStation Gift Cards on Gameflip?

Gameflip stocks PlayStation gift cards along with a number of gift card options for other stores and video game products.

At Gameflip, we want to make sure that your buying experience is as easy and breezy as possible, so you can get back into the game without too much time being wasted. That’s why our streamlined marketplace connects you with millions of other buyers and sellers who are ready to give you the best price for the PlayStation gift cards you need.

So when you’re looking to buy digital PlayStation gift cards online, Gameflip should be the website at the top of your list.

What Makes Gameflip the Best Option for PlayStation Gift Cards?

In addition to our streamlined purchase process, Gameflip has a number of other features that enhance your buying experience while also protecting you from the potential dangers of the internet.

If there are ever any issues, the Gameflip Guarantee ensures that you’ll either get your money back, or we’ll do whatever it takes to make things right. Our enhanced security features protect your precious personal information from scammers and identity thieves. All of this is combined with a store that is accessible and ready to get you to the products and best deals you want to buy as quickly as possible.

Speaking of deals, that's kind of what we do. Why should you pay more for the games and services you want when we have all of that and the latest titles much cheaper?

These are the things that make Gameflip the best option for buying PlayStation gift cards, but don’t take our word for it. Go ahead and try the site out! You’re always protected, and we think the work we’ve done really speaks for itself.

How Do I Redeem PlayStation Gift Cards?

After you’ve purchased your cart full of PlayStation gift cards from the Gameflip marketplace, you have a few options when it comes to redeeming them. 

First, you can activate your codes through your console. All you have to do is start it up, navigate to the PlayStation store, and find the page that will allow you to redeem your code. For the sake of convenience, you can also activate a PlayStation gift card in a web browser. You just have to go to the PlayStation website, sign in to your account, and type in your code.

Lastly, you can redeem your PlayStation gift card from the PlayStation App on your smartphone. Sony has made it dead simple to add funds to your PlayStation Wallet, and we make it easy as pie to buy the cards in the first place.

It’s like a match made in heaven!

Gameflip Guarantee

Gameflip Guarantee

Buy with confidence with our Gameflip Guarantee.

Get the item you paid for or your money back.
How does Gameflip work?
Gameflip is a marketplace that simplifies the process of buying and selling gaming-related items ensuring a safe and secure and most importantly enjoyable experience for its community. Backed by a community of over 6 million users from all over the world, gamers can buy and sell in-game items, gift cards, collectibles, games and much more!
How well is Gameflip Rated?
Gameflip is powered by its over 6 million users and an overall rating of 4.3 stars with over 20,000 reviews on the App stores. Gameflip also rates 4.4 stars on Trustpilot and 4.5 stars on Sitejabber. Gameflip's impressive ratings go beyond mere numbers; they represent a thriving community of gamers who have found a platform dedicated to meeting their needs. It offers a secure and enjoyable environment for transactions involving in-game items, gift cards, and digital goods.
How do you buy on Gameflip?
Buying on Gameflip is fast, easy and most importantly secure. You just need to register for a Gameflip account, it’s quick and free. After you create an account, you can browse through the listings to find the best deals for the item you want to buy. Gameflip has hundreds of new listings every day and the Gameflip Guarantee ensures you get the item as described or your money back.

Read more about Buying Questions.
How Do You Sell on Gameflip?
Selling on Gameflip is not only quick but also completely free. After you create an account, you can start selling digital or physical video games, game items & skins, collectibles, gift cards from Steam, PSN, Xbox, iTunes, Google Play, and more.Creating detailed listings and offering reasonable prices will help you sell faster. After a buyer completes an order, the sale proceeds will be deposited into your Gameflip Wallet and you can withdraw them to a bank account or use them to purchase items in our marketplace.

Read more about Selling Questions.
What is the Gameflip Guarantee?
The Gameflip Guarantee protects buyers by ensuring they get their item as described or their money back. It is free of charge and can be used up to 3 days after an order is placed. Buyers can confidently turn to the Gameflip Guarantee in several scenarios. Whether it's not receiving the item, encountering an item that doesn't function as intended, or discovering that it doesn't match the description provided in the listing, rest assured that you have a safety net to fall back on. Gameflip has your back every step of the way, securing your purchases and your peace of mind.

Read more about Gameflip Guarantee.
How do I find my Profile/Invite Code?
The Profile Code or Invite Code is a 6-character code which identifies your account. When using the Gameflip website, you can locate it by clicking on your profile picture and your name on the menu. The code will appear underneath your picture on your profile page next to “Your Code”. When using the Gameflip app, you can locate it by tapping Menu > Profile avatar > Your Code. It will appear underneath your name and the date you joined Gameflip next to “Your Code”.

Read more about Profile Code.
How do I redeem my gift cards or receive the purchase items?
The seller's delivery of your item aligns with the details specified in the listing. They have two primary methods of delivering items:
  1. Automatic Delivery: Some sellers use our Digital Vault or Steam Bots, which allow for the automatic and swift delivery of digital codes and in-game items. You can expect to receive these items almost instantly.
  2. 1 to 3-Day Delivery: In certain cases, sellers may opt for manual delivery, typically taking 1 to 3 days to complete.
If you've made a purchase of an in-game item, the seller will coordinate with you to determine the most convenient time for both parties to log into the game and transfer your order.

For those who have purchased gift cards, the seller will provide you with the specific redemption code. The redemption process may vary depending on the platform. Typically, it involves logging into your account on the same platform associated with the gift card and entering the code to redeem it.
Are my purchases protected?
All purchases on Gameflip are protected for free with the Gameflip Guarantee. The Gameflip Guarantee ensures you receive the item or service described on the listing or your money back. You will have 3 days from the purchase date to check if there are any issues with the order. During this period you can open a dispute to report the problem to the seller and escalate it to our support team if needed.
What is Gameflip Return Policy?
Refunds only occur when the item or service received is either not working or different from the listing description. If this is the case, you'll be covered by the Gameflip Guarantee. All users have 3 days to identify if there are any issues with their orders and open a dispute. Once a transaction is completed, there are absolutely no returns or refunds. By completing the transaction, you are agreeing to accept the item and finalizing the transaction.

Read more about Gameflip Return Policy.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, you have the flexibility to cancel your order at three points:
  1. Immediate Post-Purchase: Right after you've made the purchase and while it's still in the processing phase, you can cancel it.
  2. Under Review Status: If your order is under review and marked with an “Under Review” status, you retain the option to cancel it.
  3. Seller Delivery Delay: In cases where the seller does not fulfill the order within the specified timeframe outlined in the listing description, you can cancel it after a 12-hour grace period.
Read more about Cancel Order.

Additionally, you can also request the seller to cancel the order, but the ultimate decision to cancel rests with the seller.
Do I need to verify my identity?
Identity verification can be required in some scenarios. You only need to verify your identity when you apply to sell on Gameflip, or when you need to confirm account ownership or payment authorization when making account-related changes or conducting frequent or large transactions to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) laws and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. KYC is a multi-step process to identify and confirm that a user is who they say they are. KYC is a part of the anti-money laundering (AML) laws and regulations that we must follow. For more details on what we collect and how we securely store and protect your information, please check our Privacy Policy.
Who are the Gameflip sellers?
When it comes to selling on Gameflip, our aim is to ensure a straightforward and hassle-free experience for you. You'll find that listing items for sale is a breeze. We've got a simple rule: if it's gaming-related and not on the list of prohibited items, it's fair game for listing and selling on our platform. All our sellers are users from the Gameflip community with verified accounts and who meet necessary legal requirements to list items and services in our marketplace. This ensures a trustworthy and reliable environment for both sellers and buyers alike.
How do sellers cash out and withdraw funds on Gameflip?
Sellers have the option to withdraw funds from their sales to their bank accounts through our trusted payout providers, including Payoneer, Routable, Skrill, and your Bitcoin Wallet.

These partners are independent third-party service providers. To ensure a smooth withdrawal process, we highly recommend that you open an account with your chosen provider in advance if you haven't already done so. Depending on your location, these providers may request legally required documentation to complete the transaction. This preparation will help streamline your withdrawal experience.

Read more about Funds Withdrawal.
What are the Gameflip selling fees?
Our fee structure is simple and straightforward. Once your item is delivered and accepted by the buyer, Gameflip applies an 8% Commission Fee along with a 2% Partner Fee, and a 2% Digital Fee if it's applicable, calculated based on the listing price. These fees support the platform, and allows Gameflip to keep the marketplace safe for buyers and sellers. If you sell more frequently, Gameflip also offers a subscription program: the Gameflip Club, which reduces selling fees.