Although the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was discontinued several years ago, its legacy lives on through the incredible library of games that defined the handheld console. Released in 2004, the PSP allowed players to experience high-quality gaming on the go, and many of its titles remain beloved by fans of portable gaming to this day. Persona 3 Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories are just a few of the standout games from the PSP era that continue to offer unforgettable experiences.
Persona 3 Portable is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs available on the PSP. The game follows a group of high school students who must battle creatures known as Shadows during the mysterious “Dark Hour.” What set Persona 3 Portable apart was its slot combination of life simulation and dungeon crawling, where players had to balance their social lives with the responsibility of saving the world. The game’s turn-based combat, emotional narrative, and deep character development made it an instant classic. The portable version also introduced a female protagonist, offering an alternative perspective on the story, which increased its replay value and provided new experiences for returning players.
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker was another standout PSP title that brought the iconic stealth action of the Metal Gear series to the handheld console. Set in the 1970s, the game follows Big Boss as he builds his own private army and navigates complex political situations. The game’s tactical gameplay, which emphasizes stealth and strategy, was perfectly suited to the PSP’s capabilities, and the addition of a cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to team up and tackle missions together. Peace Walker continues the story of Metal Gear Solid 3 and is lauded for its engaging narrative, deep themes, and intricate gameplay systems that are still enjoyable to this day.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories brings the chaotic, open-world gameplay of the GTA series to the PSP, providing players with the freedom to explore Liberty City while engaging in various criminal activities. The game follows Tony Cipriani, a character who rises through the ranks of the mafia in the city. The open-world structure, combined with its engaging story, makes it one of the best games on the PSP. Despite being on a portable console, Liberty City Stories delivered a robust GTA experience, complete with side missions, exploration, and the wild, free-form gameplay that the series is known for.
The PSP may be a relic of the past, but its games have endured, remaining beloved by gamers who appreciated the innovative handheld console. Titles like Persona 3 Portable, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories have earned their place in gaming history as some of the best portable experiences available. Even today, these games offer a nostalgic look at the era of handheld gaming, and they remain cherished by fans who remember the golden days of the PSP.
