The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary device for its time. Launched in 2004, it was one of the first handheld consoles to offer near-console-quality games on the go. Despite facing tough competition from the Nintendo DS, the PSP earned a loyal following thanks to its impressive hardware and strong library of games. Although the system was eventually discontinued in 2014, many of its titles remain classics, and some are still considered some of the best handheld games ever made. The PSP’s library had something for every gamer, whether you were a fan of action-packed adventures, deep RPGs, or quirky, unique titles.
One of the standout games on the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus. As a prequel to the main God of War series, Chains of Olympus took everything that made the console version of the game so beloved — brutal combat, epic boss battles, and a jambitoto rich narrative — and adapted it for the handheld. The game’s fluid combat system, impressive visuals, and compelling storyline proved that the PSP was more than capable of delivering the kind of immersive experiences that players expected from PlayStation consoles. The game’s success helped cement the PSP’s reputation as a platform capable of handling complex, high-quality titles.
Another PSP classic is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the legendary Final Fantasy VII. In Crisis Core, players control Zack Fair, a character whose fate is intricately tied to the events of Final Fantasy VII. The game’s real-time combat system and its deep narrative, which expands on the lore of the Final Fantasy VII universe, made it a standout RPG for the handheld console. Players were able to dive deeper into the story of one of the most beloved Final Fantasy games of all time, and the high-quality voice acting and cutscenes helped bring the world to life in a way that had never been seen before on a portable system. Crisis Core is still regarded as one of the best games to ever grace the PSP.
In addition to these major titles, the PSP also had a number of unique and innovative games that demonstrated the console’s versatility. Patapon, a rhythm-based strategy game, took full advantage of the PSP’s controls and showcased the handheld’s ability to deliver experiences that weren’t possible on other consoles. In Patapon, players control a tribe of adorable creatures by issuing commands to the beat of a drum, guiding them through various levels of combat and exploration. The game’s catchy soundtrack and minimalist art style made it one of the most distinctive games on the PSP, and its innovative mechanics ensured that it was an unforgettable experience for players.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker stands as one of the PSP’s most ambitious titles. Created by Hideo Kojima, this entry in the Metal Gear series pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the PSP. The game features the tactical espionage gameplay that the series is known for, but it also introduced co-op multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends for missions. The game’s deep story, which explores themes of war, loyalty, and the consequences of power, made it an essential title for Metal Gear fans, and its ability to deliver a complex, immersive experience on a handheld console was a technical marvel at the time.
While the PSP may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as other consoles, its library of games remains one of the best in handheld gaming history. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Patapon, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker continue to be fondly remembered by players, and the PSP’s legacy as a handheld gem endures.