The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s first attempt at a handheld console, and despite being discontinued in 2014, its library of games continues to be celebrated by retro gamers and handheld gaming enthusiasts. With impressive graphics Mesingg for its time and a diverse library of titles, the PSP offered unique gaming experiences that were not only fun but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a portable system. Here are some of the best PSP games that continue to hold up today, making them worth revisiting even years after the PSP’s discontinuation.

One of the standout games for the PSP was Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. As the direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 4, Peace Walker brought the beloved stealth action series to the handheld, delivering a game that was just as engaging and deep as its console counterparts. The game features a compelling story set in the 1970s, with players once again stepping into the shoes of the legendary soldier, Big Boss. Peace Walker offered an expansive campaign, as well as multiplayer modes that allowed players to team up and complete missions together. Its complex gameplay systems, including base management and tactical combat, set it apart from other handheld titles, cementing its place as one of the best PSP games.

Another iconic title on the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. This game brought the wild, open-world chaos of GTA to a handheld system and delivered a fantastic story with a compelling protagonist, Victor Vance. Set in the 1980s, Vice City Stories lets players explore the vibrant and dangerous streets of Vice City once again, offering the same gameplay mechanics and free-roaming action that made the GTA series a global phenomenon. The game’s story and setting were a perfect fit for the PSP, delivering a rich experience with impressive graphics for a portable console.

For fans of action-RPGs, Persona 3 Portable was a standout title that demonstrated the PSP’s ability to deliver deep, complex games. Persona 3 was originally released on the PS2, but its portable version brought the engaging mix of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and turn-based combat to the handheld. Players could balance their school life with fighting monsters and forming relationships with other characters, all while navigating the mysteries surrounding a strange phenomenon known as the Dark Hour. Persona 3 Portable introduced a new protagonist option, allowing players to experience the story from a female perspective, adding even more depth to an already well-loved game.

One of the PSP’s more unique titles was Patapon, a rhythm-based action game that combined music with strategy. Players control a tribe of adorable creatures called Patapons and guide them through various challenges by using rhythmic drumming to command their movements. Patapon is a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering a fresh and fun experience that stood out from other games on the PSP. Its unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and real-time strategy made it a standout title that continues to be fondly remembered by fans of the system.

These are just a few examples of the best PSP games that still resonate with players today. The PSP’s library was full of innovation, offering a diverse range of genres and experiences that made it one of the most memorable handheld consoles of all time.