The release of the PSP marked a turning point in how gamers perceived handheld devices. Prior to its launch, portable gaming was typically seen as a watered-down version of the console experience. But Sony flipped that narrative on its head by creating a device capable of running rich, visually compelling PlayStation games that were often just as engaging as their console counterparts. This strategy not only expanded the PlayStation ecosystem but also delivered some of the best games ever made for a handheld platform.

One of the most important aspects of the PSP’s success was its ability to port and adapt console titles effectively. Games like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories weren’t mere side content—they were full games with sprawling maps, voice acting, and engaging stories. These titles proved that the PSP could handle complex, open-world PlayStation games, giving players the freedom to depo 10k experience entire cities in their pocket. It was a technical marvel that broadened the audience for these franchises.

The PSP was also home to completely original games that have become cult classics. Daxter, a spin-off from the Jak and Daxter series, was tailor-made for the handheld, offering tight platforming mechanics and an entertaining story that added depth to the franchise. Similarly, LocoRoco charmed players with its bright visuals, whimsical music, and tilt-based gameplay that felt refreshingly unique. These weren’t just good for handheld games—they were among the best games in the PlayStation catalog, period.

Another major highlight of the PSP era was its support for Japanese RPGs and niche titles that didn’t always get the spotlight on consoles. Games like Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together and The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky provided deep, strategic gameplay and rich storytelling. These titles introduced Western audiences to new franchises and play styles, expanding the tastes and expectations of PlayStation gamers globally. They may not have had mainstream appeal at the time, but they’ve since been recognized as classics.

The multiplayer features of the PSP also helped it stand out. Although it didn’t have the same always-online infrastructure of modern consoles, it did support local wireless play, which was enough to make games like Monster Hunter Freedom Unite a massive success. Players would meet in cafes or dorm rooms to hunt monsters together, forming tight-knit communities that shared strategies, weapons, and victories. This social aspect contributed to the PSP’s long life and deep emotional connection with its fans.

In redefining what was possible on a handheld, the PSP changed the very meaning of PlayStation games. No longer confined to the living room, these titles could now be experienced anywhere—on a bus, in a classroom, or during travel. The PSP’s best games didn’t just scale down the console experience; they expanded it, experimented with it, and in many ways, improved upon it. The PSP might be discontinued, but its influence on gaming remains undeniable.