Before smartphones dominated portable gaming, the PlayStation Portable, or PSP, was Sony’s ambitious entry into handheld entertainment. Launched in 2004, the PSP delivered console-quality gaming in the palm pianototo of your hand. Over its lifecycle, it became a beloved platform that offered some of the best games in handheld history, with a library that spanned genres, styles, and innovations.

One of the most celebrated PSP games, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, remains a fan favorite. As a prequel to one of the most iconic JRPGs of all time, it combined fast-paced combat with a deep, emotional storyline that added meaningful layers to the Final Fantasy mythos. Another standout title, Daxter, provided a thrilling side adventure in the Jak and Daxter universe, demonstrating the PSP’s capacity to offer console-like experiences on the go.

Other PSP games like Monster Hunter Freedom Unite and Persona 3 Portable showcased the system’s versatility. While Monster Hunter brought cooperative hunting action to handheld players, Persona 3 Portable introduced a broader audience to its unique mix of social simulation and dungeon crawling. These best games not only highlighted the power of the PSP but also carved a space for deeper, longer play sessions on a handheld device.

Despite being overshadowed by the rise of mobile gaming and the eventual decline of dedicated handheld consoles, the PSP still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Its rich library, coupled with its ability to push technical boundaries, made it a standout system. For anyone looking to explore or revisit portable classics, PSP games offer a nostalgic trip back to an era of innovation and creativity in handheld gaming.