PSP Games That Defined Handheld Gaming

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market, and it left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Released in 2004, the PSP brought console-quality games to a portable device, offering an entirely new way to play. Despite its eventual discontinuation in 2014, spaceman the PSP library remains full of unforgettable titles that every gamer should check out.

One of the standout titles on the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. It’s hard to imagine that the fast-paced, open-world chaos of GTA could work on a handheld device, but this game proved it could. With a compelling story, a rich city to explore, and plenty of missions to complete, it’s one of the best portable experiences of its time. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker offered a remarkable stealth-action experience with a gripping narrative, taking advantage of the PSP’s hardware to deliver a truly cinematic adventure.

Another game that captured the imagination of PSP players is Patapon. This quirky rhythm-based strategy game mixes adorable characters with an innovative gameplay style, where players tap along to the beat to command their army. Its unique concept and unforgettable soundtrack made it one of the PSP’s standout titles. Then there’s Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the original Final Fantasy VII that gave fans a deeper look into the story behind Zack Fair. With action-packed combat and an emotionally charged storyline, it became one of the PSP’s most beloved titles.

Of course, the PSP also saw a number of great RPGs like Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together and Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, offering deep, tactical gameplay that was a perfect fit for the handheld format. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its library remains one of the best collections of portable gaming experiences ever created.