The PlayStation Portable (PSP), released in 2004, was Sony’s first entry into the handheld gaming market, and it quickly became a beloved device for gamers on the go. Combining impressive graphics, multimedia functionality, and a robust library of games, the PSP offered a console-like experience in a portable form. While the PSP’s lifespan was relatively short, it introduced a wealth of games that are still celebrated by handheld gaming enthusiasts today. Let’s take a look at some of the best PSP games that made this device a fan favorite.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) is one of the standout titles for the PSP. This entry in the GTA series brought the open-world mayhem of Grand Theft Auto III to the handheld device. Set in Liberty City, players take on the role of Tony Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family. The game features the same chaotic sandbox gameplay that the GTA series is known for, complete with car chases, shootouts, and side activities. The fact that Liberty City Stories was able to replicate the vast, open-world experience of its console counterparts on the PSP was a testament flores99 to the system’s power and versatility.
Another key title for the PSP is Persona 3 Portable (2010), a portable version of the acclaimed RPG Persona 3. The game combines traditional turn-based combat with life simulation elements, where players must balance school life and fighting supernatural creatures. The PSP version introduced several enhancements, such as the ability to control all party members in combat and a new female protagonist. The game’s blend of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and a deep, branching narrative made Persona 3 Portable one of the best RPGs on the handheld and an essential game for fans of the genre.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another standout title for the PSP, offering a stealth-action experience on the go. Set in the Metal Gear universe, Peace Walker continues the story of Big Boss as he establishes a private army. The game’s co-op multiplayer, base-building mechanics, and rich narrative made it a must-play for fans of the series. The ability to play with friends in co-op mode added a new layer of depth to the Metal Gear formula, and the PSP’s hardware limitations were expertly managed to deliver a game that felt as expansive and immersive as its console counterparts.
Along with these titles, the PSP boasted a range of other great games, including Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, Patapon, and LocoRoco. Whether you enjoyed tactical RPGs, rhythm games, or platformers, the PSP had something for everyone. The system’s unique blend of power, portability, and an impressive game library made it one of the best handheld consoles of its time, and its games continue to be fondly remembered by those who experienced them.