The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a groundbreaking console when it was released in 2004, offering gamers the ability to play console-quality games on a handheld device. While the PSP was discontinued in 2014, its library of games remains one of the best in the history of handheld gaming. Titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions helped define the PSP as a console that could deliver rich, immersive experiences on the go. These games are still beloved by fans and continue to hold up as some of the best handheld titles ever made.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is widely regarded as one of the best games on the PSP, bringing the chaotic world of Grand Theft Auto to a handheld platform. Set in Liberty City, the game follows Toni Cipriani as he rises through the jeruk777 criminal underworld of the city. Despite the technical limitations of the PSP, Liberty City Stories offers a fully realized open-world experience, allowing players to explore the city, take on missions, and engage in all the mayhem that GTA is known for. The game’s story, packed with memorable characters and missions, and its dynamic gameplay made it one of the standout titles of the PSP era and remains a classic to this day.
Another must-play on the PSP is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, which brought the iconic stealth action of the Metal Gear series to the handheld world. In Peace Walker, players control Big Boss as he builds a private army and uncovers a complex web of political intrigue and military conflict. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, including base-building and cooperative multiplayer missions, which were groundbreaking for the PSP. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is a prime example of how the PSP could deliver console-quality experiences in a portable format, combining the signature stealth gameplay of the Metal Gear series with a compelling story and innovative new features.
For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is one of the best games on the PSP. This enhanced version of the classic Final Fantasy Tactics features updated graphics, voice acting, and new content while retaining the deep, strategic gameplay that made the original game so beloved. Set in the politically charged world of Ivalice, The War of the Lions allows players to build a team of characters and engage in turn-based battles across a variety of environments. The game’s complex combat system and branching storylines make it a standout in the tactical RPG genre, and its portability on the PSP allowed fans to experience one of the best tactical RPGs anywhere they went.
Although the PSP is no longer in production, its legacy endures through games like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. These titles showcase the incredible potential of handheld gaming, delivering immersive experiences that are still celebrated by fans of the console. The PSP may be gone, but its impact on gaming is still felt through these timeless classics, making the PSP library one of the best in handheld gaming history.