The PlayStation Portable was a bold move for Sony. Released in 2004, it brought PlayStation-quality games to a handheld device in an era when portable gaming was largely dominated by shorter, more casual experiences. Dragon Tiger What set PSP games apart was their ambition—these titles weren’t just small-screen spin-offs; they were full-fledged games that delivered stories, mechanics, and presentation on par with home consoles.

From the start, developers took the PSP’s horsepower seriously. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker became a standout example of what a handheld action title could achieve, offering stealth mechanics, base-building, and even co-op play. Its story, tightly woven into the greater Metal Gear saga, was no afterthought. This was a mainline entry in every sense of the word, not a stripped-down version for mobile play.

Equally impressive was Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, which offered a new take on a beloved universe. This action RPG mixed cinematic storytelling with quick, exciting combat, and introduced a younger generation to the events leading up to one of the most iconic games in PlayStation history. The game’s emotional arc, centered on protagonist Zack Fair, showed that even a handheld console could deliver storytelling that hit hard.

Beyond RPGs and stealth titles, PSP games also innovated in other genres. LocoRoco and Patapon showed the system’s potential for creative design and audio-visual experimentation. These weren’t just technically sound games; they were joyful experiences that made the most of the PSP’s portability and unique control scheme. Today, the PSP’s legacy lives on through emulation and digital libraries, continuing to inspire a new wave of indie and portable game developers.