Summary
Nintendo has been steadily dominating the handheld video game market, but that doesn’t mean that Sony and Sega both didn’t make a go in the field. Sony’sPSPmay not have been as popular as its follow-up, the Vita, which also struggled. However, the PSP still had a devout audience and it did some impressive things for a handheld.
However, most of the gems that were released on the PSP are easy to overlook or were trapped in obscurity. Those that gave the handheld a proper chance were pleasantly surprised and there are plenty of games that pushed the hardware to its limit and still hold up today.
Updated on June 09, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:The PlayStation Portable is one of the best handheld consoles ever made, especially for its era, and it’s a shame that Sony didn’t build upon this success with the PS Vita. The company had a great stranglehold on the portable console market, so to see them throw it all away and focus solely on home console gaming didn’t sit well with its fans. It didn’t help that the PSP featured a wealth of amazing games, which made it all the more puzzling that Sony completely gave up on a good thing they had going for them. That said, the PSP’s catalogue is extensive, and there are always more games worth adding to this list.
Tactics Ogreis a beloved series of strategic role-playing games that reward tactical acumen and well-thought-out moves.Let Us ClingTogetheris one of the many celebrated entries in the series that fans absolutely adore.
There’s a reason why many people consider thisTactics Ogregame to be one of the very best in the genre, making it all the more painful that this series doesn’t hold the same prominence it used to during its heyday. Still, that’s not to say thatTactics Ogrehas lost its luster, and players need only check outLet Us Cling Togetherto understand firsthand why this franchise has so many loyal fans who continue to praise these titles even now.
14Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Metascore: 87
A stealth action series that more players should check out for themselves,Syphon Filter: Dark Mirroris a PSP classic for fans who were lucky enough to play this underrated title. The series has faded into obscurity in modern times, but there was a time when Sony fans were eager to get their hands on the latestSyphon Filtergame.
Unfortunately, unlike titles likeMetal Gear SolidandSplinter Cell,which made the most of their stealth-action gameplay to become legendary in their own right, the same doesn’t apply forSyphon Filter. There’s no denying thatDark Mirroris a great game, but the franchise didn’t manage to capitalize on its quality and failed to maintain a steady stream of well-receieved games.
Metal Gear Solidis a series that needs no introduction. This amazing franchise is the brainchild of Hideo Kojima, who wowed fans with a story-driven stealth game that featured a wealth of memorable characters along with an overarching plotline that was hopelessly convoluted in the best way possible.
Along with its home console offerings,Metal Gear Solidwas also blessed with a series of portable games that were pretty engaging in their own right. One such title isPortable Ops,which makes the most of the PlayStation Portable’s hardware, resulting in a riveting experience where completing a string of challenging missions is deeply engaging.
12LittleBigPlanet
LittleBigPlanetcould’ve been Sony’s answer toSonicandMarioin the new generation of gaming. This platforming title certainly had something going for it, but the company’s unerring focus on mature gameplay experiences led toLittleBigPlanetbecoming a casualty of their approach to gaming.
The games the lovable mascot has been featured in are pretty excellent in their own right, with the version of this game on the PSP being lauded too. The mainline console version had higher scores, showing just how much of a waste it really was that the developer never built up on this promise barring a few sequels and an excellent PS Vita title.
The PSP was home to some great JRPGs, andJeanne d’Arcis no exception. The game focuses on the story of Joan of Arc with a much-welcome fantasy twist that makes the events of the plot all the more engaging.
The strategic gameplay present in the series coupled with a masterful narrative madeJeanne d’Arcone of the best PSP games of all time. The fact that this game hasn’t been ported to modern systems is genuinely unbelievable!
10Ridge Racer
Metascore: 88
TheRidge Racerseries was a staple of the 90s, but one of the most celebrated versions of the game is the PSP release, which also happens to be one of the bestracing titleson the handheld platform. PSP’sRidge Racerpicks and chooses cars, tracks, and music from the previous games to create the best possible version of the franchise.
Ridge Racerhelped prove what could be accomplished on Sony’s handheld and in addition to the impressive visuals and soundtrack, it even allows for eight-player multiplayer through online play.
9Tekken: Dark Resurrection
Tekken: Dark Resurrectionis the PSP port of the fifth entry in the popular fighting game.Fighters likeTekkencan excel on a handheld and this port not only brings the arcade update to the home, but it’s an extremely polished package.Dark Resurrectionfeatures the regularTekkenstaples, but the PSP delivers the fighting at a remarkable 60 FPS.
There’s also a heavy incorporation of online features, as well as some of the more enjoyable mini-games and extra features from otherTekkentitles. The PSP even released a special D-pad attachment to make theTekkenexperience as authentic as possible.
Rockstar’sGrand Theft Autoseries is still one of the most popular and lucrative video game series of all time.Liberty City Storiesis the first handheld entry for the PSP, but it’s an absolute success. The game functions as a prequel toGrand Theft Auto 3and it captures the same manic energy as the console releases.
A major selling point isthe game’s extensive soundtrack, which also includes the ability for players to rip and build their own soundtracks.Liberty City Storiesperformed so well that it was eventually ported over to the PlayStation 2.
Final Fantasy Tacticsis an interesting departure for the series. A decade after its release on the original PlayStation,Final Fantasy Tacticswas updated for the PSP.Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lionsgives a new audience the chance to experience the intricate tactical RPG with a wealth of new features.
The PSP is the ideal platform since the portable aspect allows the game to be experienced on the go. Online capabilities,connections to otherFinal Fantasygames, and new cinematics all helpThe War of the Lionsbecome the definitive version ofFinal Fantasy Tactics.
6Wipeout Pure
TheWipeoutseries is Sony’s solution to Nintendo’sF-Zeroas a futuristic and fast-paced racer that caters more to quick decisions and trippy visuals than arealistic racing experience. Set in 2197,Wipeout Pureleans into the futuristic aspect and creates some highly memorable cars and tracks that feel truly unique.
Wipeout Purelooks and plays like a dream, but it was also a big deal for being the first PSP game to feature downloadable content, with new cars and tracks becoming available, and all free of charge.
