By admin Before the Switch or Steam Deck, there was the PSP—Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming that promised console-level experiences on the go. At the time, the concept felt almost futuristic. You could play full-fledged 3D PlayStation games on a device that fit in your backpack. The best PSP games didn’t just deliver on that promise—they set the standard for future handheld platforms.
One of the first titles that showcased the PSP’s ambition was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Unlike scaled-down mobile spin-offs, this was a full 3D open-world experience, closely resembling the PS2-era GTA games. With voice acting, harum4d multiple radio stations, and mission-based gameplay, it stunned fans and critics alike. It proved that even a series as massive as GTA could make a successful leap to portable play.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions brought tactical RPG excellence to the PSP, revitalizing a cult classic with enhanced visuals, new story elements, and multiplayer support. Strategy fans praised its deep mechanics and complex storylines. It’s still widely cited as one of the best games in the strategy genre, and one of the finest examples of how classic PlayStation games could be reborn on PSP.
The system also found a niche with anime-inspired action RPGs. Dissidia Final Fantasy offered a unique blend of fighting game mechanics and RPG progression, wrapped in fan service for die-hard FF lovers. The game featured an original story that wove together protagonists and antagonists from across the series. As a celebration of the franchise’s legacy, it ranks among the most creative PSP games ever made.
Even racing fans found a lot to love. Wipeout Pulse and Burnout Legends delivered high-speed thrills with impressive graphics and responsive controls. These weren’t watered-down versions—they were carefully optimized experiences designed specifically for handheld play. In terms of pick-up-and-play fun, these titles easily remain some of the best PSP games available today.
In hindsight, the PSP laid a foundation that later handhelds would build upon. It showed that handheld games could be ambitious, cinematic, and full of depth. Whether through gritty shooters, deep RPGs, or arcade-style racers, the best PSP games still serve as examples of how to do portable gaming right—and their influence is still being felt two decades later.