When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released in 2004, it changed the landscape of handheld gaming forever. Unlike previous portable systems, the PSP was capable of delivering near-console-quality games, with a library of titles that appealed to gamers of all types. Whether you were into action-packed adventures, deep role-playing games, or sports simulations, the PSP had something for everyone. Some of the best PSP games remain fondly remembered for their impact on portable gaming and their ability to deliver rich experiences on the go.

One of the best PSP games of all time is God of War: Chains of Olympus, released in 2008. As a prequel to the original God of War games, this title brought the brutal combat and mythological storytelling of the series to Sony’s handheld console. The game follows Kratos as he battles gods and monsters from Greek mythology in a quest to stop a war between the gods. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, Chains of Olympus succeeded in delivering a visually stunning experience, with smooth combat mechanics and a compelling narrative. The success of this game proved that the PSP was capable of handling console-level action games, setting a high bar for other titles on the platform.

Another standout PSP title is Persona 3 Portable, a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed PlayStation 2 role-playing game. This version of the game retains the original’s unique blend of dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and social simulation elements, but with some improvements to make it more suited to the PSP’s portable nature. Players take hoki22 on the role of a high school student who must balance daily life with fighting monsters in the mysterious tower of Tartarus. Persona 3 Portable allows players to choose between a male and female protagonist, each with their own unique story elements and character interactions. This increased replay value made the game even more beloved by fans, and it remains one of the best RPGs available on the PSP.

For fans of open-world action, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was one of the best PSP games to showcase the power of the system. Set in the same universe as Grand Theft Auto III, the game allows players to explore the streets of Liberty City as Toni Cipriani, a member of the Leone crime family. The game features a vast, open world full of side missions, chaotic action, and the kind of dark humor that made the Grand Theft Auto series so popular. The fact that such a rich, detailed experience could be played on a handheld console was a testament to the PSP’s capabilities, and Liberty City Stories became one of the most popular games on the system.

Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker proved that the PSP was more than capable of handling complex, stealth-driven gameplay. Released in 2010, Peace Walker is a direct continuation of the Metal Gear Solid series and follows Big Boss as he builds a private army to battle against a new threat. The game features both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, allowing players to work together to take on missions. Peace Walker was praised for its deep tactical gameplay and rich storytelling, and it remains one of the standout titles on the PSP, showing the versatility of the platform.

The PSP may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through its incredible library of games. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Persona 3 Portable, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories continue to be celebrated by fans for their ability to bring console-quality experiences to a handheld system. Even in today’s gaming world, these games are still seen as some of the best examples of handheld gaming ever made.