The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was a bold move by Sony into the handheld market, which had long been dominated by Nintendo. But instead of replicating its competitors, the PSP offered something radically different—console-level オンカジ experiences in the palm of your hand. For many players, this was a revolution. The best PSP games combined incredible visual quality, deep mechanics, and engrossing stories, proving that handheld games could be just as impressive as those on a TV screen.

A significant part of the PSP’s success came from how it leveraged the strengths of existing PlayStation franchises. God of War: Chains of Olympus brought Kratos’s brutal combat and mythological narrative to a smaller screen without sacrificing intensity. Gran Turismo PSP gave racing fans a portable fix of one of the most respected driving sims ever created. These adaptations weren’t just filler—they were full-fledged entries that captured the essence of PlayStation games in portable form.

What truly set the PSP apart, however, was its commitment to original content. Games like Jeanne d’Arc, Lumines, and LocoRoco introduced players to entirely new worlds and gameplay styles. These were not ports—they were purpose-built for the PSP, showcasing creativity and experimentation. Additionally, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became a cultural juggernaut in some parts of the world, especially in Japan, turning the PSP into a social device where players would gather to hunt massive beasts together.

Despite being discontinued, the PSP’s influence remains. Modern developers often cite PSP games as sources of inspiration, and many wish for remasters or revivals. Its legacy as a handheld that treated its players with maturity and depth hasn’t been matched since. Whether it’s through emulation, digital downloads, or backward compatibility, gamers continue to revisit the best PSP games, proving their timeless quality. The PSP may be gone, but its games continue to matter in the conversation about what makes a game truly great.