Even though the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was discontinued years ago, its legacy continues to be celebrated by gamers around the world. Released in 2004, the PSP was a groundbreaking handheld device that brought console-quality games to andara88 a portable format. While the PSP may no longer be in production, its library of games remains highly regarded, and many of its titles still hold up today. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, here are some of the best PSP games that remain essential in 2025.
One of the most iconic games of the PSP era is God of War: Chains of Olympus. As a spinoff of the critically acclaimed God of War series, this handheld entry brings all of the series’ signature action and epic scale to the PSP. Players control Kratos as he embarks on a mission to save the gods of Olympus from an ancient evil. The game features the same brutal combat, fast-paced action, and breathtaking visuals that made the God of War series famous, while also adapting the gameplay to fit the PSP’s capabilities. Chains of Olympus is widely considered one of the best action games on the platform, and its success helped set the stage for future portable action games on the PSP.
Another standout title on the PSP is Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. As a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, this game lets players dive back into the neon-lit streets of the 1980s, filled with crime, corruption, and chaos. The PSP version maintains the open-world freedom of the console games while allowing players to explore Vice City in even more detail. With an engaging story, a massive city to explore, and a variety of vehicles and weapons at your disposal, Vice City Stories captures the essence of what makes the Grand Theft Auto series so appealing. The game’s success on the PSP proves that the platform could handle massive open-world games and deliver experiences that felt just as expansive and immersive as their console counterparts.
Persona 3 Portable is another essential PSP game that remains a fan favorite. This portable version of Persona 3 brought the classic RPG experience to the PSP, retaining the core gameplay elements that made the original so beloved while introducing new features. Players manage a group of high school students as they balance their daily lives with fighting mysterious creatures in a mysterious tower. The game combines dungeon crawling with life simulation, offering a unique blend of gameplay that has become synonymous with the Persona series. Persona 3 Portable is a must-play for RPG fans, and its deep, character-driven narrative is still one of the best in the genre.
If you’re a fan of platformers, Daxter is a title that shouldn’t be missed. This spinoff of the Jak and Daxter series follows Daxter as he embarks on his own adventure while Jak is imprisoned. The game features tight, responsive controls and offers a fun, humorous story with plenty of platforming challenges. The level design is inventive, and the art style is charming, making Daxter one of the best handheld platformers of its time. The game’s success proved that the PSP could offer engaging platforming experiences, and it remains a standout title for those who appreciate well-crafted 3D platformers.
Lastly, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is a game that truly defined the PSP’s multiplayer capabilities. As part of the Monster Hunter series, this game allowed players to team up and hunt massive monsters, crafting new gear and facing off against increasingly powerful foes. The cooperative gameplay was a major draw, and the game’s depth and difficulty kept players coming back for more. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite set the standard for multiplayer games on handheld systems and remains one of the most beloved entries in the series.
As we look back on the PSP in 2025, it’s clear that the handheld system was a trailblazer for portable gaming. The games that defined the PSP era continue to influence the gaming industry today, and their timeless appeal is a testament to the system’s impact. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or a newcomer looking to explore classic titles, these PSP games should be on your radar as some of the best that portable gaming has to offer.