While the PSP is often remembered for its big-name titles, many of its best experiences came in the form of hidden gems—games that may not have gotten mainstream attention but delivered unique, memorable gameplay. These underrated PSP games contributed just as much to the platform’s legacy dewagg and deserve recognition for their creativity, charm, and depth.

Jeanne d’Arc is one such hidden gem. This tactical RPG from Level-5 reimagined the story of the French heroine with a fantasy twist, complete with magic, monsters, and strategic grid-based combat. It offered a compelling blend of history and fantasy, combined with beautiful anime-style visuals and polished mechanics. Though it flew under the radar compared to more famous titles, it remains one of the most finely tuned and narratively rich strategy RPGs on any handheld.

Another overlooked masterpiece is Metal Gear Acid. This turn-based strategy game took the stealth elements of the Metal Gear series and combined them with a unique card-based mechanic. While it was a significant departure from the mainline Metal Gear titles, its gameplay was surprisingly deep, rewarding players who took the time to understand its systems. Its blend of tactical decision-making and familiar Metal Gear lore made it a distinctive and satisfying experience.

Lumines also deserves mention as one of the most addicting puzzle games ever created for the PSP. With a hypnotic soundtrack and a sleek visual design, Lumines offered a rhythm-based twist on the classic block-dropping genre. It became a surprise hit among puzzle fans and was praised for its ability to create a meditative yet engaging gameplay loop. It’s a game that perfectly showcases how the PSP could deliver original and experimental ideas just as well as console-style epics.

These lesser-known titles reveal the diversity and creativity that the PSP platform encouraged. While the system was home to many blockbuster franchises, it’s the hidden gems that truly showed the versatility of Sony’s handheld. Even years after the PSP’s discontinuation, its library remains a treasure trove of innovation just waiting to be rediscovered.