The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may have only been on the market for a short period, but its impact on the handheld gaming market was undeniable. Released in 2004, the PSP offered gamers an experience that was previously cendanabet unthinkable in the realm of portable consoles—games that looked and felt like their home console counterparts. Today, despite the PSP’s retirement, the best PSP games continue to be loved by fans and hold up as excellent examples of handheld gaming.

A standout title that made the PSP a must-have for many gamers was Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This game took the classic Metal Gear series and adapted it for the handheld format, maintaining the complex stealth mechanics and intricate plot that defined the series. Peace Walker allowed players to experience the world of Snake in a portable form while offering unique features like cooperative multiplayer and base-building mechanics, which added depth and replayability. The PSP’s ability to handle such a complex game was a testament to the console’s technical power, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker remains one of the best PSP games to this day.

Another iconic game that pushed the PSP’s limits was Persona 3 Portable. The Persona series is known for its blend of dungeon-crawling RPG elements and life simulation, and Persona 3 Portable translated this complex formula to the PSP while maintaining the series’ signature charm. The game allowed players to form deep relationships with various characters while exploring dark, procedurally-generated dungeons. Persona 3 Portable was an amazing feat for a handheld game, and it continues to stand as one of the best RPGs on the platform, offering an experience that many consider timeless.

For fans of action and mythology, God of War: Ghost of Sparta was another essential title. The game presented a gripping new chapter in Kratos’ journey, offering fast-paced combat, epic scale, and the deep mythology that defined the God of War series. The game’s stunning visuals and intricate storytelling made it a standout on the PSP, pushing the console to its limits in terms of gameplay and graphics. Ghost of Sparta was a testament to the capabilities of the PSP, delivering an action-packed experience that was equal to the console versions in terms of excitement.

While the PSP may no longer be with us, its legacy lives on through its library of memorable titles. The system offered a diverse range of experiences, from strategic RPGs to action-packed epics, and continues to be regarded as one of the most influential handheld consoles in history.