In recent years, the PSP has seen something of a quiet resurgence. Despite being discontinued over a decade ago, its best games are being rediscovered by a new wave of gamers—and appreciated more than ever by longtime fans. Thanks to emulators, digital ports, and modern appreciation for retro gaming, the PlayStation Portable is experiencing a renaissance. And at the heart of this revival are the games that made the system great.

Many of the PSP’s top titles are now viewed with a fresh lens. Persona 3 Portable, once seen as a handheld adaptation, is now considered a definitive version of the game, with quality-of-life features and character options that weren’t situs toto present in its original console release. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has been praised for its deep strategic gameplay and beautiful hand-drawn cutscenes. These weren’t “lite” versions—they were ambitious and rich experiences tailored for a smaller screen.

Modern gamers are increasingly appreciating how the PSP emphasized creativity and experimentation. Without the pressure of AAA budgets, developers had the freedom to try bold ideas. That led to one-of-a-kind titles like Half-Minute Hero, a parody RPG that condensed epic stories into short bursts of gameplay, and Killzone: Liberation, a top-down take on the popular shooter series that reimagined the franchise for handheld play.

Now that these games are more accessible—either through official ports or fan-preserved versions—the PSP’s legacy is growing stronger. This isn’t just nostalgia. These are genuinely great games, many of which offer experiences you still can’t find anywhere else. The PSP was never just a footnote in PlayStation history. It was a vital chapter, and its best games are finally getting the recognition they deserve.