When the PlayStation Portable launched in 2004, it was more than just Sony’s answer to handheld gaming—it was a declaration that serious, console-level experiences could exist in your palm. Today, the PSP is often remembered fondly for its kokojp design and capabilities, but what truly cements its legacy are the games. Some of the best games of their era made their way onto this compact console, forming a library that stands tall even against modern giants.

From the outset, Sony aimed to bring the power and depth of PlayStation games to a mobile format without compromise. This was evident in titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, which retained the cinematic scale and brutal combat of its console siblings. Even more impressive was the system’s handling of open-world adventures, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. These were not watered-down versions; they were full-fledged experiences that many players still rank among the best games ever made for any handheld.

RPGs found a comfortable home on the PSP, with titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Persona 3 Portable offering deep narratives and engaging mechanics. These games didn’t merely recreate their console counterparts—they adapted them. Persona 3 Portable, for example, streamlined exploration and added a new protagonist option, enhancing replayability and expanding the game’s lore. It is still frequently mentioned in discussions about the best PSP games, not only for its gameplay but for how it redefined what a handheld RPG could be.

What made these games so enduring wasn’t just their quality; it was their portability. The PSP allowed players to dive into expansive stories or quick action sessions anywhere, transforming commutes, study breaks, and late nights into epic gaming experiences. In many ways, this flexibility is what made the platform’s library so beloved. Titles like Patapon and LocoRoco used quirky mechanics and art styles to create experiences tailored to the handheld’s strengths, showing that innovation could thrive in compact spaces.

Another key to the PSP’s success was how it brought back and preserved older PlayStation games. From ports of PS1 classics like Final Fantasy Tactics to collections of retro arcade hits, the system doubled as a mobile archive of gaming history. These re-releases weren’t just nostalgia plays—they introduced a new generation to foundational titles, solidifying their place among the best games to ever grace a screen, big or small.