The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a revolutionary console in its time, offering gamers a portable gaming experience that was unmatched by anything on the market. Despite its discontinuation, the PSP’s library of games remains an important part of gaming history. These games pushed the limits of handheld gaming, delivering rich narratives, stunning visuals, and deep gameplay mechanics. Here are some of the best PSP games that still hold up in 2025, offering players timeless experiences on the go.
One of the most beloved PSP games is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. This prequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII tells the story of Zack Fair, slot a key character whose fate is intricately tied to the main events of the original game. Crisis Core combines fast-paced action combat with traditional RPG mechanics, allowing players to experience Zack’s journey in a rich, immersive world. The game’s stunning cutscenes, memorable characters, and emotional story made it a standout title on the PSP. With its blend of action and role-playing elements, Crisis Core set a new standard for handheld RPGs and remains a must-play for any fan of the Final Fantasy franchise.
Another standout PSP game is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, which successfully brought the open-world chaos of the Grand Theft Auto series to the handheld platform. Set in the fictional Liberty City, the game lets players take on the role of Toni Cipriani, a member of the Mafia trying to make his way in the criminal underworld. The game’s expansive world, filled with side missions, chaos, and plenty of action, offers a complete GTA experience in a portable format. The freedom of exploration, along with the engaging storyline, made Liberty City Stories one of the most popular PSP games, and it’s still one of the most praised titles in the GTA franchise.
For fans of tactical strategy games, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another must-play PSP title. This entry in the Metal Gear series delivers a gripping tale of espionage and war, where players control Big Boss as he leads a private military company in the jungles of Central America. The game introduces a variety of gameplay elements, including base-building mechanics, co-op multiplayer, and stealth-based action. The deep, thought-provoking story touches on themes of war, loyalty, and political maneuvering, while the gameplay offers a unique mix of strategy and action. Peace Walker is widely regarded as one of the best tactical stealth games ever released on a handheld device, making it a standout in the PSP library.
Lastly, Patapon is an incredibly unique and creative game that combines rhythm, strategy, and adventure. Players lead a tribe of tiny creatures known as the Patapons through various challenges using rhythmic button presses. The game’s distinctive visual style, catchy music, and blend of rhythm and real-time strategy made it a standout title for the PSP. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Patapon captured the attention of players and became one of the most memorable and beloved games on the platform. Its quirky design and innovative mechanics ensured that it remains a standout example of the PSP’s capabilities.