The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was one of Sony’s boldest ventures into the world of handheld gaming. Released in 2004, the PSP offered a level of graphical fidelity and gameplay quality that was previously unheard of in portable devices. With its large screen and powerful hardware, the PSP brought console-quality gaming to the palm of your hands, making it a beloved device for gamers on the go. The library of games available for the PSP was vast, with titles spanning a range of genres and offering players an incredibly diverse gaming experience.
One of the most iconic PSP games was God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), which proved that a handheld could deliver an epic action-adventure experience. Developed by Ready at Dawn, Chains of Olympus was a prequel to the God of War series, and it successfully S666 translated the intense combat and cinematic presentation of the console versions into a handheld format. Players took control of Kratos, the God of War, as he embarked on a mission to prevent the destruction of the world. The game’s brutal combat, stunning visuals, and engaging narrative made it a standout title for the PSP.
Another unforgettable PSP game was Persona 3 Portable (2010), a portable version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3 (2006). This RPG combined dungeon crawling with social simulation, allowing players to balance their everyday life as a high school student with their duties as a member of a supernatural team. The game’s rich narrative, memorable characters, and turn-based combat made it one of the most beloved entries in the Persona series. Persona 3 Portable also introduced a female protagonist option, offering players new story paths and perspectives, which further enriched the experience.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005) was another standout title on the PSP. Set in the same universe as Grand Theft Auto III, this open-world game allowed players to explore the fictional Liberty City, engage in various criminal activities, and follow a gripping story. The ability to play a full-fledged open-world game on a portable device was groundbreaking, and Liberty City Stories was widely praised for its gameplay depth, character development, and the amount of content it packed into the handheld format. The PSP version of Grand Theft Auto proved that even complex, expansive games could be effectively adapted for portable devices.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) was yet another exceptional PSP game that proved handheld consoles could handle intricate, strategic gameplay. Developed by Kojima Productions, Peace Walker was a tactical espionage action game set in the Metal Gear universe. The game introduced a compelling narrative and a complex combat system, with players controlling the legendary soldier Big Boss as he led a private army. The game featured both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, offering a unique experience on the PSP. Peace Walker became a fan favorite due to its depth, tactical gameplay, and narrative richness.
For fans of strategy RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) was a must-play on the PSP. This remake of the beloved Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) brought updated graphics, new voice acting, and additional story content to the original game. The strategic, grid-based combat, combined with a politically charged narrative, made Final Fantasy Tactics one of the most engaging tactical RPGs available on the PSP. The game’s deep story, rich world-building, and challenging combat system made it an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre.
Despite its discontinuation in 2014, the PSP remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles ever made. The device’s ability to bring console-quality games to a portable format changed the way people experienced gaming on the go. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Persona 3 Portable, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories remain iconic examples of what the PSP was capable of, offering deep gameplay experiences that were previously unavailable on handheld devices. The PSP was a true game-changer, and its library of best games continues to be celebrated by gamers around the world.