When the PSP launched in 2004, it disrupted long-held assumptions about handheld gaming. Portable devices were expected to provide light, casual diversions, but Sony proved otherwise by creating a handheld that could support ambitious, console-quality titles. As a result, PSP games became recognized toto77 as some of the best games of their decade, challenging the notion that handheld systems could only offer scaled-down experiences.

Franchise entries helped establish the PSP’s credibility. God of War: Chains of Olympus brought the ferocity of Kratos into players’ hands without losing its epic scale. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII offered an emotional prequel that became a fan-favorite in its own right, while Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker showed that stealth action could thrive on a handheld. These PSP games weren’t add-ons—they were essential experiences, frequently mentioned alongside PlayStation console titles when discussing the best games of the mid-2000s.

The PSP also shone as a creative platform. Original titles like Patapon and LocoRoco combined rhythm, art, and whimsy in groundbreaking ways, showing that handheld devices could be incubators for fresh, innovative ideas. These games may not have carried the blockbuster branding of major franchises, but their charm and originality earned them lasting respect as some of the best games on the system and beyond.

Though the PSP is no longer in production, its influence continues to echo in modern handhelds and hybrid consoles. By setting the precedent that portable devices could deliver experiences equal to home consoles, PSP games expanded the very definition of what counted as the best games, ensuring their place in gaming history.