A plasma display device is capable of controlling the brightness of the entire image on a screen over a wide range without impairing a predetermined number of display gradations determined by the dynamic range of an A/D converter, an analogue input circuit and the like. For this purpose, the plasma display device is provided with means for changing the discharge condition (number of discharge pulses, discharge voltage, discharge voltage waveform and the like) during priming discharging, which is effected for initialization, in accordance with the brightness control to control the brightness of light emission during image display.