Released in 2004, Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) brought console-quality gaming to a portable platform, offering a new level of depth and excitement for on-the-go gaming. While the PSP may no longer be at the forefront of handheld gaming, it holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who appreciate its library of incredible titles. From action-packed adventures to deep RPGs, the PSP’s best games delivered experiences that were not just great for a handheld system but great period.
One of the most iconic games for the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This title took the beloved GTA formula and shrunk it down into a handheld version, bringing the chaotic open-world gameplay to the PSP with surprising success. Set in Liberty City, players controlled Tony Cipriani as he navigates the world of crime and malukutoto corruption. The game maintained much of what made Grand Theft Auto famous—driving, shooting, and a satirical narrative—while making adjustments for the portable format. For fans of open-world games, Liberty City Stories was one of the PSP’s must-have titles.
Another standout game for the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus. Known for its brutal action and mythological themes, God of War was a natural fit for the PSP, and Chains of Olympus delivered the same over-the-top combat and epic scale as its console counterparts. Players once again took on the role of Kratos, battling gods, titans, and mythical creatures in a quest for vengeance. The game managed to maintain the core elements of the God of War series while adapting to the limitations of the handheld system, making it one of the best games on the platform.
For RPG fans, Persona 3 Portable was a game-changing experience on the PSP. A portable version of the highly acclaimed Persona 3, the game offered players the chance to explore dark dungeons and interact with a cast of unique characters in a high school setting. The addition of a female protagonist and new social interactions made the game even more compelling. The combination of life simulation elements and dungeon crawling created a unique blend that set Persona 3 Portable apart from other RPGs on the PSP.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another title that exemplifies the PSP’s potential. This stealth-action game, developed by Hideo Kojima, expanded on the Metal Gear universe with a deep story and cooperative multiplayer elements. The game featured a unique base-building mechanic, where players could develop their own military base and recruit soldiers. Peace Walker successfully delivered the same tense espionage and intricate storytelling that Metal Gear fans had come to expect, making it one of the best PSP games ever made.
The PSP may not have the legacy of more recent handheld consoles, but its library of games remains a cherished part of gaming history. These titles, along with others like Lumines and Patapon, showcased the power of the system and cemented the PSP’s place as a beloved handheld