Though the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was discontinued more than a decade ago, its impact on handheld gaming remains profound. The PSP broke new ground in portable gaming, offering players a chance to enjoy console-quality titles on the go. Its library was filled with memorable games that spanned a wide range of genres, each one taking full advantage of the PSP’s hardware capabilities. While mobile gaming has since evolved, the best PSP games continue to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, many of whom still fondly remember the handheld device and the unforgettable experiences it offered.
One of the standout titles for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (2005). This spin-off of the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series brought the chaos and freedom of Liberty City to a handheld device for the first time. Players took control of Tony Cipriani, a small-time gangster trying to rise through the criminal underworld. The game’s open-world design allowed players to explore Liberty City, engage in a variety of missions, and wreak havoc in the city’s streets, just like in the console versions. Despite the limitations of the PSP hardware, Liberty City Stories delivered a truly immersive GTA experience, complete with side activities, radio stations, and a gripping story. The game proved that the PSP could handle large-scale open-world games and remain faithful to the GTA formula, making it one of the best PSP games ever created.
Another iconic PSP game is Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (2009), which introduced players to the addictive world of monster hunting. The game revolves around tracking down and slaying massive creatures, using their parts to craft turbox500 better weapons and armor. The game’s cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to team up and hunt together, making it one of the most socially engaging titles on the PSP. The deep combat mechanics, rewarding progression system, and challenging monsters kept players hooked for hours. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became a massive hit and is still considered one of the most beloved entries in the Monster Hunter series, cementing the PSP as a platform for rich, engaging gameplay experiences.
For something more unique, LocoRoco (2006) offered a whimsical and charming alternative to the usual action-heavy games on the PSP. In LocoRoco, players guide a group of colorful, blob-like creatures through a series of levels by tilting the environment. The game’s bright, cheerful art style, simple controls, and catchy music made it a refreshing change of pace. It was a light-hearted, fun experience that appealed to players of all ages, offering a relaxing, almost meditative gameplay loop. LocoRoco’s innovative control scheme and vibrant world set it apart from other games on the PSP, making it one of the most unique and memorable titles on the system.
The PSP was home to a rich variety of games that showcased the potential of portable gaming. Whether it was the open-world excitement of Liberty City Stories, the intense monster hunting of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, or the quirky charm of LocoRoco, the PSP provided an unforgettable library of titles. These games not only pushed the limits of the handheld system but also left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with gamers today. Even though the PSP is no longer in production, its iconic games remain a testament to the handheld’s place in gaming history.