The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming, and it succeeded in bringing console-quality games to the palm of your hand. Released in 2004, the PSP offered a larger screen and more powerful hardware than many of its contemporaries, allowing it to run games that were traditionally reserved for consoles. While the PSP didn’t enjoy the same level of success as its competitors, it still boasted a fantastic library of titles, many of which are still regarded as some of the best games on handheld platforms.
One of the most popular and best PSP games was God of War: Chains of Olympus. This prequel to the God of War series follows Kratos as he battles his way through Greek mythology to stop a catastrophic event. Despite being on a handheld console, Chains of Olympus didn’t compromise on the epic gameplay and stunning slot visuals that fans had come to expect from the God of War franchise. The tight combat, engaging story, and beautiful world design made it one of the most memorable PSP titles. Fans of the series appreciated the fact that they could experience Kratos’ brutal adventures on the go without losing the essence of what made the series great.
Another standout game on the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Released in 2005, this game brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to the handheld. Set in Liberty City, players control Toni Cipriani, a mobster caught up in the criminal underworld. The game offers the same freedom of exploration, driving, and combat as its console counterparts, allowing players to wreak havoc in the city or engage in various missions. The fact that Liberty City Stories retained the depth and open-world nature of a console GTA game while being portable made it a major achievement for the PSP.
Finally, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another standout PSP game. Released in 2010, this title continued the story of Big Boss and offered an intricate and immersive tactical espionage experience on a handheld console. The game combined stealth, action, and strategy in a way that was unprecedented for the PSP, offering a deep story alongside cooperative multiplayer modes. Fans of the Metal Gear series lauded Peace Walker for maintaining the franchise’s trademark narrative and gameplay while adapting it perfectly to the portable format. The game remains one of the best examples of what the PSP could do, offering a full-fledged experience that is as satisfying as any console game.
The PSP may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through the best games that defined it. Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker showcased the console’s potential and proved that handheld gaming could offer immersive experiences that rivaled those of home consoles. These games remain beloved by fans and continue to be celebrated as some of the best titles ever released for a portable gaming system.