The PSP may be a retired platform, but for those who owned one, it was a revolutionary device that brought console-like power to handheld gaming. Its best games proved that a portable console didn’t have to compromise on quality or pianototo scope. In fact, some PSP games remain so impressive that they continue to influence portable and even console game design today.

At its peak, the PSP offered some truly genre-defining experiences. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became a social phenomenon in Japan and a cult favorite worldwide, encouraging cooperative gameplay long before it became a standard feature in mainstream titles. Persona 3 Portable took a beloved RPG and made it even more accessible, letting players experience a full school-year journey of battles, friendships, and personal growth in the palm of their hands.

What made the PSP library special was the variety and originality it offered. Games like LocoRoco and Echochrome didn’t rely on cutting-edge visuals but on clever gameplay mechanics and charming presentation. Meanwhile, heavy-hitters like God of War: Chains of Olympus pushed the hardware to its limits, offering an experience remarkably close to its home-console counterpart. These titles made it clear that the PSP was more than just a side device—it was a fully capable gaming platform in its own right.

In today’s landscape of mobile games and cloud streaming, the PSP feels like a pioneer. It was a bridge between the constraints of early handheld gaming and the expansive possibilities we enjoy now. Revisiting the best PSP games is not just a nostalgic journey—it’s a reminder of how far portable gaming has come, and how much it still owes to Sony’s bold vision.