Long before mobile gaming became a billion-dollar industry, Sony’s PSP was delivering sophisticated, console-level experiences on a small screen. It combined sleek hardware design with a stellar lineup of titles, making it one of the most ambitious handheld gaming systems of its time. Though often overlooked today, the PSP was a pioneer that gave us some of the best games ever made for a portable platform.

Sony didn’t hold back when it came to supporting the PSP with first-party and third-party titles. Developers embraced the system’s capabilities, crafting PSP games that were more than just simplified versions of console hits. Killzone: Liberation and Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow are perfect examples of this, offering refined gameplay mechanics and impressive visuals that stood toe-to-toe with many home console games. These weren’t novelties; they were deep, TST4D engaging, and expertly designed experiences.

The best PSP games also catered to diverse tastes. Fans of role-playing games had plenty to love with Persona 3 Portable and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, while action fans found joy in Monster Hunter Freedom Unite and Resistance: Retribution. Each of these games brought something unique to the table, proving that the handheld could support complex systems and rewarding gameplay loops just as well as its full-sized counterparts.

Even years after the system was discontinued, the legacy of PSP games remains strong. They have become cult classics, treasured by collectors and regularly recommended to new players discovering the handheld for the first time. With emulation and digital re-releases, these titles continue to reach new audiences, preserving their place in gaming history. In many ways, the PSP delivered not just some of the best portable games, but some of the best games of its generation—full stop.