The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a game-changer for portable gaming when it was released in 2004. KENAHOKI With impressive graphics that rivaled console games of its time, it became the go-to handheld for gamers who wanted more than just simple, casual titles. While the PSP may not have had the same level of commercial success as the Nintendo DS, it boasted a library of games that still hold up as some of the best handheld titles ever made. From action-packed adventures to deep role-playing games, the PSP offered a vast array of experiences that are still fondly remembered by gamers today.

One of the standout titles in the PSP library is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This game brought the open-world experience of the GTA series to the handheld, giving players the ability to roam around a fully realized Liberty City, engaging in all the chaotic activities that made the franchise famous. Liberty City Stories didn’t compromise on the immersive, story-driven elements that made the series so popular, delivering a compelling narrative along with the trademark action. Its success was a testament to the PSP’s power and versatility as a gaming platform.

For fans of action and strategy, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another standout in the PSP’s catalog. This game provided a new chapter in the Metal Gear series, focusing on the mercenary boss, Big Boss, as he builds a private army. Its tactical gameplay, deep mechanics, and rich storytelling made it a worthy entry in the franchise. It also introduced cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up in missions and add a layer of replayability that was uncommon in PSP games at the time.

Another fan-favorite is God of War: Chains of Olympus, a prequel to the critically acclaimed God of War series on PlayStation 2. The game brought the same brutal combat and epic scale to the small screen, with Kratos battling the gods and creatures of Greek mythology. Its tight gameplay mechanics, incredible visuals for the PSP, and cinematic presentation made it a must-play for fans of the franchise. It proved that handheld gaming could provide a truly epic experience.

Finally, Persona 3 Portable is a gem for RPG fans. The PSP version of the classic Persona 3 not only brought the immersive world of Shin Megami Tensei to handheld but also added new features, including a female protagonist and new social links, which enriched the game’s replayability. The blend of dungeon crawling and life simulation in Persona 3 Portable made it one of the most compelling RPGs available on the PSP, showcasing the platform’s ability to handle complex, narrative-driven games.