While major franchises often dominate conversations about the PlayStation Portable, the real treasure of the system lies in the games that slipped under the radar. Everyone remembers Daxter and Gran Turismo PSP, but the pragmatic 4d handheld’s library was vast and full of surprises. Many PSP games didn’t receive the spotlight they deserved at launch, but time has been kind to these underappreciated gems. Revisiting these lesser-known titles reveals the creativity and experimentation that made the PSP a haven for unique gaming experiences.

One such example is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG with a gripping fantasy storyline and accessible combat mechanics. Though it didn’t receive the fanfare of a Final Fantasy release, it remains one of the best games in the genre for the platform. Similarly, Every Extend Extra offered an abstract, rhythm-based shooter experience that was as visually captivating as it was challenging. These PSP games showed that the platform was capable of housing bold, unconventional ideas that went beyond the traditional expectations of handheld gaming.

The strength of the PSP also lay in its ability to introduce new players to niche genres. Games like Corpse Party brought Japanese-style horror to Western audiences in a way that felt intimate and unsettling, thanks to the immersive nature of handheld play. Others, like Crush, blended platforming with puzzle mechanics in mind-bending ways that felt ahead of their time. These weren’t massive AAA productions, but they offered gameplay mechanics and stories that stuck with players long after putting the device down.

Rediscovering these forgotten titles in the PSP’s catalog is a reminder of how much diversity the platform offered. While PlayStation games on home consoles were making headlines with blockbuster narratives, the PSP quietly cultivated a library filled with creative ambition. For those willing to dig a little deeper, these games represent some of the best gaming experiences you might have missed—and are well worth a second look.