In today’s gaming landscape, discussions around legacy often focus on the home consoles—the evolution from PlayStation 2 to 5, or the revolutionary impact of the PlayStation 4’s exclusives. Yet, nestled within the PlayStation ecosystem is a device that delivered some of the best games of its オンカジ time and continues to influence design choices to this day: the PlayStation Portable. While it may no longer be in production, its top games remain relevant, replayable, and revered.

Take Persona 3 Portable for example. Originally a PlayStation 2 title, the game’s PSP adaptation refined the formula with new content, streamlined mechanics, and a unique perspective. It was not only one of the best games on the handheld—it also helped pave the way for portable RPGs that balanced narrative depth with user accessibility. Even today, its influence is seen in modern Persona entries and spin-offs.

Then there’s Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, a re-release of the classic strategy RPG that included enhanced translation, new story scenes, and multiplayer modes. The PSP version revitalized interest in the series and introduced tactical RPGs to a new generation. It’s a testament to how older PlayStation games could find new life and even surpass their original incarnations on the PSP.

LittleBigPlanet PSP is another shining example. Though it didn’t have the same creation tools as its PS3 counterpart, it brought the franchise’s charm, platforming fun, and community-driven design to a portable format. Players were still able to create and share levels, embracing the core of what made the original such a standout title. For fans of PlayStation games that encouraged creativity, this handheld version was a dream come true.

The legacy of PSP games isn’t just built on nostalgia. These were thoughtfully designed, content-rich experiences that explored what was possible on a smaller screen. Their stories, mechanics, and innovation continue to resonate with developers and gamers alike. In celebrating the best games the PSP had to offer, we recognize not just a moment in time—but a lasting contribution to the PlayStation story.