Before smartphones became the go-to device for on-the-go entertainment, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) carved out a legacy by offering console-quality gaming in the palm of your hand. When the PSP debuted, it wasn’t just オンカジ another handheld—it was a symbol of Sony’s ambition to expand the PlayStation brand into the mobile gaming market. What followed was a library of PSP games that not only impressed technically but also innovated across multiple genres.

One standout factor of the PSP was its ability to run full 3D games with deep narratives and immersive worlds. Games like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII didn’t just ride on brand recognition; they were well-crafted prequels that stood on their own. Killzone: Liberation redefined how tactical combat could work on a portable system, while LittleBigPlanet PSP captured the charm and creativity of its console sibling. These weren’t scaled-down throwaways—they were some of the best games of their time, portable or not.

Sony didn’t stop at recreating console experiences. The PSP became a haven for original ideas and experimental gameplay. LocoRoco, with its vibrant art and gravity-defying mechanics, and Patapon, a rhythm-strategy hybrid, showed that the platform could take risks. These titles proved that PSP games weren’t just about replicating PlayStation games—they were about expanding them. Developers took advantage of the unique hardware to create something entirely new, pushing the limits of what a handheld could achieve.

Today, the PSP is often remembered with nostalgia and admiration. Many of its games are still sought after, and the demand for digital re-releases speaks volumes about their impact. The best games from the PSP era set the stage for modern portable gaming and laid the groundwork for innovations in the PlayStation Vita and beyond. The PSP may no longer be in production, but its influence is alive and well in the DNA of today’s best handheld and mobile games.