The launch of the PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was a significant moment in the evolution of handheld gaming. Before the PSP, portable systems were mostly associated with simple, casual games. Sony changed that by creating a system that brought console-quality graphics, sound, and gameplay to a device you could carry in your pocket. What followed was a wave of PSP games that defied expectations, many of which are still considered some of the best games ever made for a handheld device.
PSP games like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, toto5000 Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and God of War: Chains of Olympus proved that deep narratives and complex mechanics could work beautifully on a smaller screen. These weren’t watered-down versions of PlayStation games—they were robust titles developed specifically for the PSP, often serving as critical pieces of their respective franchises. Players quickly realized they could experience powerful stories and gameplay on the go without sacrificing quality.
The system also became a home for innovation. Unique titles such as LocoRoco and Patapon took advantage of the PSP’s features in creative ways, delivering fresh mechanics and artistic styles that stood out. These games didn’t just succeed because they were portable; they succeeded because they offered something truly different, even compared to full console experiences. It’s one reason why so many gamers still hold their PSP collections in high regard.
Even years after its discontinuation, the PSP remains a beloved piece of gaming history. Many of its best games continue to be played through emulation or have been re-released for newer systems. The PSP may have been compact, but the impact of its games was anything but small. For fans of PlayStation games, the PSP was more than just a side platform—it was a major part of the ecosystem and home to some of the best games in Sony’s catalog.
