Although the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was only in production for a little over a harum4d decade, it’s still remembered as one of the most influential handheld consoles ever made. While the PSP’s library boasted blockbuster hits and major franchises, it also featured a surprising number of underrated gems that many gamers may have missed. These lesser-known titles not only showcased the power of the handheld but also delivered unique experiences that remain memorable to this day.

One such hidden gem is LocoRoco, a vibrant and quirky platformer that felt completely different from most other games on the PSP. With its whimsical art style and addictive gameplay, LocoRoco required players to control a group of colorful, blob-like creatures as they navigated various levels. The gameplay was simple yet captivating, relying on tilting the environment to move the characters and solve puzzles. Its joyful soundtrack and imaginative world made it one of the most memorable PSP games, showing that handheld gaming didn’t always need complex mechanics to be enjoyable.

Another underrated title that found its home on the PSP was Daxter. A spin-off from the Jak and Daxter series, this game featured the lovable ottsel, Daxter, in his own side-scrolling adventure. Known for its humor, tight controls, and fun gameplay, Daxter captured the essence of the Jak and Daxter series while offering a more compact and portable experience. The game’s impressive visuals and charming story made it one of the standout platformers on the PSP and a must-play for fans of the original series.

For those who loved tactical RPGs, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together was a hidden treasure on the PSP. A remastered version of the 1995 SNES classic, this tactical RPG offered a deep and complex story along with highly strategic combat. The game’s branching story paths and moral dilemmas kept players invested in its world, while the challenging battles tested players’ tactical thinking and strategic planning. Tactics Ogre was a game that truly stood out on the PSP for its depth, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Finally, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow stands out as one of the best third-person shooters on the PSP. A direct sequel to Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, the game featured stealth-based combat, thrilling shootouts, and a gripping narrative. The game was a technical marvel on the PSP, offering console-like quality in a portable format. The gripping spy story and intense action made Logan’s Shadow one of the best third-person shooters on the handheld and a prime example of how well the PSP could handle more mature and complex genres.