While the PlayStation Portable (PSP) might not have had the lasting legacy of some other slot consoles, it remains one of the most beloved handheld systems ever created. Sony’s ambitious attempt to bring console-quality gaming to a portable device succeeded in many ways, thanks to a diverse library of games that spanned virtually every genre. Some of the best PSP games still hold up today and offer players a chance to revisit the nostalgia of a console that helped shape portable gaming for a generation.

At the top of many players’ lists is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII. This action RPG brought players into the world of Zack Fair, a character whose story intersects with Cloud Strife’s in the larger Final Fantasy VII universe. With its real-time combat system and emotional storyline, Crisis Core not only captured the essence of Final Fantasy VII but also refined it, offering an engaging experience on the go. The game’s beautiful graphics, compelling narrative, and memorable soundtrack made it one of the PSP’s standout titles, securing it a place as one of the most beloved RPGs on the platform.

Patapon is another PSP game that stands out for its unique design and innovative gameplay. A rhythm-based action game, Patapon combined music, strategy, and action in a way that was unlike anything else on the handheld. Players controlled a tribe of adorable, yet fierce creatures by beating rhythms on the PSP’s buttons, guiding them through various levels of combat and adventure. Its quirky visuals and catchy soundtrack made it a memorable experience, and its charm still holds up, making it a must-play for anyone revisiting the PSP library.

For fans of tactical strategy games, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is an essential title. A remaster of the classic PlayStation title, this game offered deep, turn-based tactical combat that required players to carefully plan each move. Set in the fantasy world of Ivalice, The War of the Lions featured an intricate political story, with betrayal, war, and complex characters. Its smart gameplay mechanics and detailed world-building made it a must-have for any fan of tactical RPGs, and its place in PSP history remains one of the platform’s best examples of depth and strategy.