PSP Classics: A Look Back at the Best Games for Sony’s Portable Console

Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary handheld console when it launched in 2004. It brought console-quality gaming to players on the go, offering a selection of titles that were on par with those available for home consoles at the time. The PSP quickly became known for its diverse library, which spanned multiple genres, offering something for every kind of gamer. One of the standout games for the PSP was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG served as a prequel to the beloved Final Fantasy VII, allowing players to control Zack Fair, a member of Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit. The game’s real-time combat system and emotional story set it apart from other PSP games, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Crisis Core not only expanded on the lore of Final Fantasy VII but also showcased the PSP’s ability to deliver a compelling narrative with high-quality graphics.

Another unforgettable title for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the beloved GTA formula to the portable console, allowing players to slot demo explore Liberty City, engage in criminal activities, and complete various missions. The PSP version of Liberty City Stories retained much of the essence of the console iterations, including its open-world structure and chaotic, fast-paced gameplay. With its intriguing storyline and immersive world, Liberty City Stories was a standout title for the PSP and remains one of the most well-regarded entries in the GTA franchise.

Patapon, released in 2008, was a unique rhythm-based strategy game that showcased the creative potential of the PSP. Players control a tribe of small creatures called Patapons, using rhythmic commands to guide them through different challenges. The game’s distinctive art style, catchy music, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it one of the most original PSP titles. Patapon was unlike anything else on the system and became a cult classic, winning over players with its charm and addictive gameplay.

Lastly, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, released in 2010, is another essential game for the PSP. The action-adventure title continues the Metal Gear series’ signature stealth gameplay while offering a gripping narrative. Players control Big Boss as he builds a private military company and confronts global threats. Peace Walker expanded the Metal Gear formula, adding a co-op multiplayer mode that was revolutionary for a handheld game at the time. Its blend of stealth, action, and strategic gameplay made it one of the best PSP games and a must-play for fans of the Metal Gear series.

These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Patapon, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker—represent the best of the PSP’s library. Each one showcased the console’s potential to deliver rich, diverse gaming experiences on the go. While the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy continues to live on through these unforgettable titles.