When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) first launched in 2004, it revolutionized handheld gaming. With its sleek design and power that rivaled the PlayStation 2, the PSP quickly became a favorite for gamers who wanted pianototo console-quality games on the go. While mobile gaming has since evolved with smartphones, the PSP era brought some of the best games to ever grace a portable system, many of which remain beloved to this day.

Titles like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII showcased the technical prowess of the device. These games weren’t watered-down versions of their console counterparts—they were fully-fledged experiences that stood proudly on their own. Crisis Core, in particular, added rich lore to the Final Fantasy universe and left a lasting impact with its emotional narrative and polished gameplay.

Other notable mentions include Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, which cultivated a huge following thanks to its challenging battles and cooperative multiplayer. Then there’s Patapon, a quirky rhythm-based game that combined strategy and music in a way never seen before. These unique titles helped build the identity of the PSP, separating it from other handhelds of its time.

The PSP may no longer be in production, but its legacy lives on through emulators and the PlayStation Network. As gamers search for the best PSP games today, they’re often surprised by how well these titles hold up, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling. The handheld’s library is a testament to the creativity of developers during a time when portable gaming was just beginning to reach new heights.