The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may not have had the same long-lasting impact view it now as other PlayStation consoles, but it undeniably left a mark on handheld gaming. Released in 2004, the PSP offered console-quality gaming on the go, providing a gaming experience that was previously unheard of on a portable device. Many of the best PSP games still stand as remarkable examples of what could be accomplished in handheld gaming, offering everything from captivating stories to innovative gameplay mechanics.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is one of the best PSP games and is considered by many to be a worthy addition to the Grand Theft Auto series. Set in the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Vice City, the game takes the open-world chaos of GTA and brings it to a portable format. Players take on the role of Victor Vance, a soldier trying to climb his way through the criminal underworld. The game’s compelling narrative, immersive world, and signature GTA gameplay made it one of the most popular titles for the PSP and cemented its place as one of the handheld’s best games.

Another standout PSP title is Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep. This action RPG is a prequel to the main Kingdom Hearts series, and it delivers everything fans love about the franchise—fast-paced combat, a deep storyline, and memorable characters. Players control three protagonists—Terra, Aqua, and Ventus—through a series of interconnected stories that shed light on the mysteries surrounding the series’ universe. Birth by Sleep was praised for its solid gameplay, engaging story, and its ability to pack the essence of Kingdom Hearts into a handheld console. It remains one of the most beloved RPGs for the PSP.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is another classic PSP title that perfectly captured the essence of the Metal Gear series while adapting it to the limitations of the handheld platform. Released in 2010, Peace Walker offered a compelling, tactical espionage experience with deep strategic gameplay and a gripping narrative that follows Big Boss, the iconic protagonist of the Metal Gear franchise. The game featured both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, which added layers of replayability. Peace Walker demonstrated the PSP’s capacity to deliver a console-like experience in a portable package, making it one of the standout games of its generation.