The PSP, or PlayStation Portable, marked an ambitious step by Sony to take console-quality gaming on the go. While often overshadowed by the home console juggernauts like the PS2 and PS3, the PSP carved out its オンカジ own identity with a rich catalog of original games. These PSP games were not just spin-offs—they were robust, thoughtfully designed titles that could stand alongside their console counterparts. Today, many fans believe that the best games from the PSP deserve a comeback.
From Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII to Jeanne d’Arc, the PSP showcased an impressive range of genres and innovative gameplay. These games demonstrated that handheld gaming didn’t have to be simplified. Developers took risks and delivered complex stories and systems that rivaled console experiences. For instance, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker offered a full-scale tactical espionage experience that many considered equal to its mainline predecessors. Despite the hardware limitations, these games set a high bar for portable gaming.
Modern PlayStation games have evolved significantly, but they often draw inspiration from their handheld predecessors. It’s no coincidence that elements from Peace Walker were later refined in Metal Gear Solid V, or that Dissidia Final Fantasy, a PSP exclusive, spawned follow-ups on newer platforms. These games laid the groundwork for experimentation and risk-taking, which became central to PlayStation’s game design philosophy. In many ways, the innovation seen in PSP games helped shape the future of the entire PlayStation brand.
Today, with remasters and re-releases becoming more common, there’s growing demand to see more PSP games revived for modern audiences. Sony’s decision to bring classics like Patapon and LocoRoco to the PS4 and PS5 shows there is still love for the handheld era. These were among the best games of their time, and they still resonate with fans new and old. As Sony continues to explore its vast back catalog, there’s hope that more gems from the PSP library will return—reborn with new visuals and enhanced performance, ready to inspire a new generation.