The PlayStation Portable (PSP), Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming, launched in 2004 and slot brought console-quality gaming to the palm of your hand. While it didn’t quite match the massive success of its stationary siblings, the PSP built a dedicated fanbase thanks to its stellar library of games. With a catalog spanning genres like RPGs, action-adventures, racing, and puzzle games, the PSP offered something for every kind of gamer. Let’s take a look back at some of the best PSP games that continue to stand the test of time.

One of the most notable titles on the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, an entry in the legendary open-world series that captured the essence of 1980s Miami with all the chaos and crime that fans loved. Vice City Stories on the PSP delivered a fully realized world, complete with a captivating story, side missions, and the signature open-world gameplay that Rockstar Games is known for. The ability to explore the city, drive vehicles, and engage in criminal activities made it one of the must-have PSP titles, offering players an experience close to what they’d expect from a console version of the game.

Another standout PSP game is God of War: Chains of Olympus, which brought the epic scale of the God of War franchise to the portable console without sacrificing its signature gameplay. Players step into the sandals of Kratos once again, battling gods, monsters, and mythological creatures. The PSP hardware was pushed to its limits to deliver a visually stunning experience, and the game’s action-packed combat and rich narrative made it a memorable entry in the series. Chains of Olympus proved that the PSP could handle high-octane action games with ease.

For fans of strategy and puzzle games, LocoRoco offered a charming and unique experience that was unlike anything else on the PSP. The game’s colorful, minimalist aesthetic and simple yet addictive gameplay captured the hearts of players around the world. Players controlled a small blob of creatures, tilting the environment to guide them through various obstacles and challenges. Its whimsical design and soothing soundtrack made it one of the more relaxing yet engaging games on the system.

Of course, we can’t forget the role-playing game (RPG) genre, where the PSP truly shined with titles like Persona 3 Portable and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. Persona 3 Portable brought the beloved Shin Megami Tensei franchise to a portable format, allowing players to manage school life, form relationships, and battle through dungeons in a story rich with supernatural elements. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy Tactics brought tactical combat and intricate strategy to the handheld, providing a deep and rewarding experience for fans of turn-based strategy.

The PSP was far from perfect, but it delivered an impressive collection of games that pushed the limits of handheld gaming. From action-packed epics to serene puzzle games, the PSP carved out a legacy as a console that brought high-quality gaming experiences to the go. Although the PSP is no longer in production, its games remain some of the best portable titles ever made.