In an era where handheld games were often seen as casual time-fillers, the PSP flipped the narrative. Sony’s first portable console aimed to bring full-scale gaming experiences into the palm of your hand. What followed was a library filled with compelling PSP games that proved portable gaming could rival home consoles in quality and depth. To this day, some of the best games on any PlayStation platform came from this compact powerhouse.

What made the PSP’s game library so impressive was its diversity. Whether you wanted a deep JRPG like Persona 3 Portable, fast-paced action from Daxter, or demo spaceman strategy from Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, the PSP had something for every type of player. These weren’t short, simplified versions of console games. Instead, they were fully realized experiences with dozens of hours of gameplay, rich stories, and robust mechanics.

The PSP was also home to exclusive entries in popular PlayStation franchises. Gran Turismo, Resistance: Retribution, and Killzone: Liberation all saw unique releases that expanded the lore and gameplay of their respective series. These titles helped reinforce the PSP’s place within the broader PlayStation ecosystem, showing that handheld gaming could be an essential part of a franchise’s evolution. Many of these games are still considered must-plays for fans of the series.

Though newer devices have taken the spotlight, PSP games continue to enjoy a dedicated fan base. Through re-releases, emulators, and nostalgic play, the best PSP games are experiencing a resurgence. Sony’s first handheld effort may be a product of the past, but its influence is still strong. It showed the world that great PlayStation games don’t have to be tied to a living room TV—they can be carried in your pocket.