The PlayStation Portable’s library contains some of the most impressive handheld games ever created. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker wasn’t just a great portable game – it became an essential chapter in the series, introducing mechanics that would define future Metal Gear titles. Its deep strategic gameplay and cooperative cancertoto missions showed what handheld gaming could achieve.

Square Enix delivered some of PSP’s most memorable RPGs, with Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII expanding the FFVII universe with Zack Fair’s tragic story. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions offered the definitive version of the strategy classic with additional content and improved translation. These titles proved that deep, complex RPGs could work perfectly on handhelds.

The PSP excelled at action games with God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, delivering console-quality combat and epic set pieces. Daxter surprised everyone by being a full-fledged platformer that surpassed expectations for a spinoff title. These games demonstrated the hardware’s capabilities and the developers’ skill at adapting console experiences.

Unique titles like Patapon and LocoRoco showcased the PSP’s creative potential, blending rhythm gameplay with strategy and platforming in ways that felt fresh and innovative. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became a phenomenon in Japan, laying the foundation for the series’ global success with its deep combat and rewarding progression.

The PSP also delivered impressive portable versions of console franchises, with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories offering a complete open-world experience. Wipeout Pure translated the series’ trademark speed and futuristic style to handheld with remarkable fidelity. These games proved that portable gaming could offer substantial experiences rather than watered-down ports.

While modern handheld gaming has moved to hybrid systems, the PSP’s library remains a testament to what dedicated portable hardware could achieve. Its best titles delivered surprisingly deep and polished experiences that still hold up today, making the system a treasure trove for retro gaming enthusiasts.