Though the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is no longer in production, its impact on the gaming world remains significant. Released in 2004, the PSP brought console-quality gaming to a portable device, allowing gamers to experience rich, detailed worlds wherever they went. While it was met with stiff competition from the Nintendo DS, the PSP’s impressive graphics and diverse game library set it apart. Some of the best PSP games remain beloved by fans to this day, and these titles showcase the full potential of handheld gaming.
One of the most popular and influential games on the PSP was God of War: Chains of Olympus. Released in 2008, it was an incredible entry in the God of War franchise, bringing the series’ signature brutal combat and stunning visuals to a portable platform. Set between the events of God of War and God of War II, Chains of Olympus offered players the chance to control Kratos, a powerful and vengeful hero, as he battles through the world of Greek mythology. The game maintained the franchise’s epic scale, despite the limitations of the PSP, and is still regarded as one of the best handheld action games ever made.
Another standout title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world, crime-based gameplay of the GTA series to the PSP in a way that felt just as immersive as its console counterparts. Set in Liberty City, Marco88 the game introduced players to new characters and storylines, while retaining the series’ hallmark blend of action, exploration, and mayhem. The game’s depth and attention to detail made it one of the best open-world games available on a handheld device, proving that the PSP could deliver experiences on par with traditional consoles.
The Monster Hunter series also found a strong home on the PSP, with Monster Hunter Freedom Unite becoming one of the most successful and beloved titles on the platform. Freedom Unite allowed players to take on massive monsters in a series of cooperative multiplayer hunts, offering deep gameplay mechanics and rewarding progression. The game’s immersive world, complex combat system, and emphasis on teamwork made it an essential title for PSP owners. Its success helped cement the Monster Hunter series as one of the best in the action-RPG genre.
Other standout titles on the PSP include Patapon, Daxter, and LocoRoco, each offering unique gameplay experiences that pushed the boundaries of what was expected from handheld devices. These games demonstrated that the PSP was not just a portable console, but a platform capable of delivering diverse, innovative, and high-quality games. Even years after its discontinuation, the PSP’s best games remain fondly remembered and continue to influence portable gaming today.