The PlayStation Portable (PSP), released in 2004, was one of the first consoles to truly bring console-quality gaming to a handheld device. With its impressive graphics and expansive library of games, the PSP was a groundbreaking achievement in portable gaming. Although the PSP was eventually replaced by the PlayStation Vita, its library of games remains a testament to the potential of handheld gaming. From action-packed adventures to immersive RPGs, the PSP boasted an incredible selection of titles that captured the attention of gamers around the world. Here are some of the best PSP games that helped define the handheld experience.

One of the most beloved PSP games is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Released in 2007, this action RPG serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII and explores the backstory of Zack Fair, a character who plays a pivotal role in the events of the original game. Crisis Core offers fast-paced, real-time combat, a deep narrative, and stunning cutscenes that were remarkable for a handheld game at the time. The game explores themes of duty, friendship, and sacrifice, offering a compelling experience that enriched the Final Fantasy VII lore. The emotional depth of the story and the fluid combat system make Crisis Core one of the standout titles in the PSP’s catalog.

Another iconic game on the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus, which brought the brutal and epic gameplay of the God of War franchise to the handheld. Released in 2008, the game follows Kratos as he battles gods and monsters in an effort to save the world from impending destruction. Despite the PSP’s hardware limitations, Chains of Olympus robopragma maintains the series’ signature visceral combat, intricate puzzles, and epic boss battles. The game’s impressive visuals and fluid gameplay mechanics showcase the power of the PSP, proving that handheld devices could offer experiences as rich and engaging as their console counterparts. God of War: Chains of Olympus remains one of the best action games available for the PSP, and it stands as a perfect example of how the handheld could handle console-quality action.

Additionally, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is another standout title that exemplified the PSP’s ability to deliver expansive, open-world experiences. Released in 2005, Liberty City Stories takes place in the same universe as Grand Theft Auto III and follows Toni Cipriani as he rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld in Liberty City. The game’s open-world design, variety of missions, and ability to cause chaos in the city were all core features of the GTA franchise, and Liberty City Stories didn’t disappoint. Its success on the PSP demonstrated that the platform could deliver an authentic Grand Theft Auto experience, complete with the freedom to explore a massive city and engage in mayhem. Liberty City Stories remains one of the most memorable games on the PSP, offering players a full GTA experience in the palm of their hands.

These games—Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories—are among the best that the PSP had to offer. These titles demonstrated that handheld consoles could provide deep, immersive experiences that were previously only possible on home consoles. Although the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through these unforgettable games, reminding us of the powerful experiences that portable gaming can provide.