The PlayStation Portable may not have the same commercial legacy as Sony’s home consoles, but it left a permanent mark on handheld gaming. At a time when mobile gaming was limited to basic touchscreen slot4d experiences, the PSP delivered robust, console-like titles that proved portable gaming could be both deep and beautiful. Some of the best PSP games still hold up today as some of the finest examples of game design on any platform.

Unlike most handhelds at the time, the PSP wasn’t afraid to cater to hardcore gamers. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII offered a prequel experience that expanded one of gaming’s most beloved universes, while God of War: Ghost of Sparta delivered action sequences that rivaled its PS2 counterparts. These weren’t diluted ports—they were experiences built specifically for the handheld, using its strengths rather than working around its limitations.

The PSP also became a playground for developers looking to innovate. Games like LocoRoco and Patapon introduced rhythmic and physics-based gameplay that was whimsical yet challenging. These titles not only highlighted the PSP’s unique control scheme but also emphasized its potential for fresh ideas. For many players, the PSP became more than just a console—it became a creative platform.

Today, discussions around the best games often overlook what the PSP accomplished. But for those who experienced its golden years, the system remains a testament to what’s possible when portability doesn’t mean compromise. Its legacy lives on in emulators, remasters, and the enduring memories of those who played it on the go.