Released in 2004, Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary device that brought console-quality gaming to a handheld format. Despite its relative short lifespan, the PSP delivered an impressive library of games that captured the attention of gamers around the world. With its sleek design, wide array of genres, and the ability to play high-quality games on the go, the PSP set the stage for future handheld gaming devices and continues to be remembered fondly by fans. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the best PSP games that helped define the platform.

One of the most iconic PSP titles is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). This game brought the same open-world crime situs toto experience that fans of the Grand Theft Auto series loved to the handheld platform, complete with a fully realized version of Liberty City. Players could engage in the usual mix of vehicular mayhem, criminal activities, and exploration, all within the compact, yet expansive, world of the game. Liberty City Stories was a technical marvel at the time, as it replicated much of the open-world gameplay that made the console versions of Grand Theft Auto so popular, but in a handheld format. For fans of the series, it remains one of the best handheld entries in the franchise.

Another standout title is God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), which brought the iconic action-packed series to the PSP with incredible results. Despite the limitations of the handheld device, Chains of Olympus managed to capture the fast-paced combat, epic scale, and mythological themes that fans loved about the main console games. Players once again took control of Kratos as he battled gods, monsters, and other mythical beings in a prequel to the original God of War. The game’s impressive graphics, smooth combat mechanics, and engaging story made it one of the best PSP games and one of the standout action games on the platform.

For fans of tactical role-playing games, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) was an incredible offering on the PSP. This enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics featured updated visuals, voice acting, and additional content that made it a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. Players commanded a group of characters through strategic battles set in the medieval world of Ivalice. The game’s complex story and intricate battle mechanics have made it a favorite of tactical RPG enthusiasts, and the PSP version offered a fantastic way to experience this iconic game on the go.

Another excellent RPG on the PSP is Persona 3 Portable (2010), a port of the beloved PlayStation 2 game Persona 3. While the PSP version is slightly different from the original, it still offers the same captivating blend of dungeon-crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat. In Persona 3 Portable, players take on the role of a high school student who must battle Shadows and explore the mysterious Dark Hour to save the world. The PSP version introduced new characters, improved mechanics, and the option to play as a female protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the original story.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another must-play title for PSP owners, offering a full-fledged Metal Gear Solid experience on the go. Developed by Kojima Productions, Peace Walker features a gripping story set in the 1970s, with players assuming the role of Big Boss as he builds his own private army while dealing with new threats. The game featured the series’ signature stealth-based gameplay, a deep narrative, and multiplayer modes, making it one of the best PSP games for fans of tactical espionage. Despite being a handheld title, Peace Walker offered a vast amount of content and was a worthy addition to the Metal Gear franchise.