Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming. With its impressive graphics, powerful hardware, and expansive game library, the PSP offered players a console-like experience in a portable format. While the PSP was ultimately discontinued in 2014, its legacy lives on through its memorable games, many of which remain beloved by fans and collectors. From action-packed adventures to deep RPGs and puzzle games, the PSP delivered a wide variety of titles that made it one of the most successful handheld consoles of all time.
One of the most iconic and beloved games on the PSP was God of War: Chains of Olympus, a spin-off of the popular God of War series. Released in 2008, Chains of Olympus brought the epic battles and mythological storylines of the franchise to the portable platform, delivering the same high-quality action and Togelin narrative that fans had come to expect from the main games. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, Chains of Olympus managed to offer impressive graphics and smooth gameplay, allowing players to control Kratos as he fought against gods, titans, and mythical creatures in the ancient world. The game was praised for its fast-paced combat, compelling story, and the seamless adaptation of the console experience to a handheld device, making it one of the best titles on the PSP.
Another standout PSP title was Persona 3 Portable, a deeply immersive and innovative JRPG that offered players a unique blend of dungeon crawling, life simulation, and turn-based combat. Originally released on the PlayStation 2, Persona 3 was brought to the PSP with several improvements, including the ability to play as a female protagonist, which added a new layer to the story and gameplay. The game’s mix of traditional RPG mechanics, such as character leveling and monster battling, with life simulation elements, like attending school and building relationships, made it a compelling and addictively fun experience. Persona 3 Portable remains one of the best handheld RPGs ever made, showcasing the PSP’s ability to handle deep, complex games that rival those found on home consoles.
For fans of open-world action, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was a major highlight of the PSP library. Released in 2005, Liberty City Stories brought the chaotic, free-roaming gameplay of the GTA series to the handheld console, offering players the chance to explore the gritty streets of Liberty City, complete missions, and engage in various criminal activities. The game’s open-world design, memorable characters, and the signature GTA chaos made it one of the best action titles on the PSP. Liberty City Stories managed to capture the essence of the console versions while offering a more compact and portable version of the GTA experience.
In addition to these blockbuster titles, the PSP was home to several other gems, such as the quirky and charming Patapon and the puzzle-filled LocoRoco. Both of these games showcased the diversity of the PSP library, offering unique and innovative gameplay experiences that were unlike anything else on the system. Patapon, a rhythm-based strategy game, had players command an army of tiny creatures by tapping out rhythms, while LocoRoco was a colorful and fun platformer that required players to tilt the environment to guide adorable blobs through various levels. These creative and distinctive titles were key to the PSP’s success, offering a wide variety of games that appealed to all kinds of players.