Before the Nintendo Switch championed hybrid home-portable play, there was the slot PlayStation Portable (PSP). Sony’s ambitious handheld was a technical marvel for its time, packing near-PS2-level power into a sleek, portable form factor. It wasn’t just a machine for smaller, simpler games; it was a console experience in your pocket. The PSP’s library is a fascinating time capsule of innovation, boasting deep RPGs, ambitious action titles, and unique experiments that leveraged its unique capabilities. Its greatest hits remain compelling plays even today.
The system was a haven for Japanese RPG enthusiasts, and no game exemplifies this better than Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. This prequel to the iconic PS1 classic masterfully expanded the mythos of Midgar and its heroes, focusing on the tragic story of Zack Fair. Its real-time combat system was dynamic and engaging, and the iconic “Digital Mind Wave” slot machine mechanic added a layer of thrilling randomness to battles. For many, it was the definitive PSP experience, delivering a full-scale, emotionally resonant Final Fantasy adventure that was perfectly tailored for on-the-go play, complete with high production values and a unforgettable soundtrack.
Beyond RPGs, the PSP excelled with unique action franchises. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is arguably one of Hideo Kojima’s finest works and a direct precursor to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Designed around short, replayable missions perfect for portable play, it featured a staggering amount of content, including base-building, co-op, and deep stealth mechanics. It proved that a handheld game could be just as complex and ambitious as its home console brethren. Similarly, God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta were technical showpieces, delivering the scale, spectacle, and brutal combat of the console titles with almost no compromises, stunning players with what was possible on the small screen.
The PSP’s legacy is also defined by its cult classics and innovative hardware features. Patapon was a rhythm-based strategy game that was utterly unique, using musical drumbeats to command an army of adorable eyeball warriors. It was a perfect use of the portable format. Meanwhile, Lumines by Tetsuya Mizuguchi was a hypnotic puzzle game that married falling blocks with a dynamic, evolving soundtrack and visuals, creating a truly synesthetic experience. These games, along with a robust library of PS1 classics, made the PSP a diverse and deeply personal console. It was a device that offered everything from epic blockbusters to quirky, inventive gems, cementing its place as one of the most beloved handhelds in history.