The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may no longer be in production, but its legacy as one of the best handheld consoles of all time lives on through its unforgettable game library. Released in 2004, the PSP offered gamers the ability to experience console-quality games on the go, providing an unprecedented level of portability without sacrificing gameplay depth. Some of the best PSP games include Persona 3 Portable, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, each of which became a landmark title in its respective genre.
Persona 3 Portable is a standout example of what the PSP was capable of. An enhanced version of the original Persona 3, the game mixes traditional turn-based combat with life simulation elements. Players assume the role of a high school student who must balance their daily life with battling shadows slot in a mysterious world. What made Persona 3 Portable so special was the addition of a female protagonist, which offered a new perspective on the story and added replayability. The deep, emotional narrative combined with the strategic turn-based combat made it one of the best RPGs on the PSP, if not in the entire genre.
Another unforgettable PSP title is Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, which brought the chaotic open-world fun of the GTA series to a portable format. Set in the same city as Grand Theft Auto III, Liberty City Stories follows Tony Cipriani as he climbs the criminal ranks in Liberty City. The game kept all the hallmark features of the GTA series, including the open-world exploration, high-speed chases, and memorable characters. Its ability to maintain the core GTA experience on a handheld device was revolutionary, and the game remains a fan favorite to this day.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another shining example of the PSP’s potential. Developed by Hideo Kojima, the game brings the iconic stealth-action gameplay of the Metal Gear series to the handheld console, offering a compelling story and tactical gameplay. Set after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3, Peace Walker follows Big Boss as he builds his own army to confront global threats. The game features both single-player and co-op multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up and tackle missions together. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a must-play for fans of the series and proves that handheld consoles can deliver complex, story-driven experiences.
The PSP may have been discontinued, but its library of games remains one of the best in handheld gaming history. Persona 3 Portable, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker are just a few of the titles that helped define the platform. These games continue to be celebrated by gamers, showcasing the incredible potential of portable gaming and leaving behind a legacy that is still cherished today.