For years, discussions about the best PlayStation games have been dominated by blockbuster console hits—titles like The Last of Us, Uncharted, Bloodborne, and duniatoto Spider-Man. However, one often overlooked segment of the PlayStation library comes from its handheld sibling: the PlayStation Portable. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its games left a lasting impression on fans and arguably deserve a place alongside the best of the PlayStation universe.

Part of what made PSP games exceptional was their ambition. At a time when most portable gaming was relegated to 2D sprites or simplified mechanics, Sony’s handheld boasted 3D graphics and console-quality audio. Games like Resistance: Retribution and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo showcased just how advanced the system was for its time. These weren’t just mobile time-fillers; they were full experiences that often connected to larger PlayStation franchises, offering new stories, unique gameplay, and competitive multiplayer.

Moreover, PSP games excelled in genres that were often underserved on other platforms. The system was a haven for JRPG fans, with hits like Persona 3 Portable, Star Ocean: Second Evolution, and Ys Seven. These games offered deep narratives and engaging combat systems, all within a format that allowed players to take their adventures with them. Additionally, indie-style hits like Echochrome proved that the PSP could handle abstract, artistic, and experimental gameplay in ways that challenged players’ perceptions of what portable gaming could achieve.

Looking back, the PSP was ahead of its time. Its best games combined artistry, innovation, and technical ambition, proving that a handheld console could stand shoulder to shoulder with home systems. In today’s era of digital remasters and retro appreciation, many of these games are being rediscovered by new audiences. Whether through official re-releases or fan-led emulation, the PSP’s contributions are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. When compiling lists of the best PlayStation games, it’s time to make space for the PSP’s greatest hits—they’re not just good for a handheld console; they’re some of the best games ever made for PlayStation, period.