Sony: Year By Year Book Launches on Kickstarter, Chronicling Seven Decades of Innovation

Sony: Year By Year: A Visual Journey, an ambitious and meticulously curated 220-page hardback book, is now live on Kickstarter.

Created by renowned retro curator Obsolete Sony in collaboration with Sandeep Rai, the celebrated author behind 'Vita Means Life' and 'It Only Did Everything,' this coffee table book offers both electronics aficionados and gaming enthusiasts a thorough visual and narrative exploration of Sony’s evolution, from its founding in 1946 through to 2024. The Kickstarter campaign, which launched on November 20, 2024, presents backers with a variety of pledge tiers.

The digital edition begins at just £10, while physical copies are available in the £37–£70 range.

Higher-tier backers not only receive the hardback edition but also gain access to the digital version and a limited edition slipcase, with the slipcase design set to be unveiled at a later date. According to the campaign’s funding progress at time of publication, the project had already secured £22,000 towards its £24,000 goal, putting it within striking distance of full funding.

A series of appealing stretch goals—including supplementary pages, branded bookmarks, and exclusive art prints—are also planned as incentives to inspire continued support throughout the Kickstarter period. Obsolete Sony has built a loyal following on platforms like Instagram, BlueSky, and Twitter by highlighting the wide breadth of Sony’s creative output: everything from rare PlayStation models and iconic Walkman players to vintage cassette recorders and laser-disc TVs.

The account’s deep dives have illuminated the company’s often-overlooked innovations, making the new book a natural extension of Obsolete Sony’s widely respected digital archive. "This project is a celebration of Sony’s groundbreaking spirit and the lasting impact of its iconic products across more than seventy years," explains Sandeep Rai, co-author of 'Sony: Year By Year.' "The book offers a decade-by-decade look at Sony, charting its journey from a post-war Tokyo startup to a world leader in electronics, entertainment, and gaming.

From the first portable television to the invention of the Walkman and the revolutionary PlayStation line, we're inviting readers to experience the history behind Sony’s most influential creations." Covering the period from 1946 to 2024, the book delves into the milestones behind some of Sony’s most defining achievements.

It features behind-the-scenes stories, rare product photography, and decades of impact across the electronics and entertainment industries, culminating in Sony’s lasting influence on global video game development and hardware design—including the PlayStation, PS Vita, and PS3. Fans and collectors can support 'Sony: Year By Year: A Visual Journey' on Kickstarter now, with frequent updates and more details available by following Obsolete Sony on social media.

This comprehensive volume is poised to become an essential reference for anyone interested in the legacy and innovation that have defined Sony over the last seventy-eight years.

Sony Kickstarter Obsolete Sony Sandeep Rai PlayStation PS Vita PS3 Walkman