When Sony announced its entry into the handheld gaming market, expectations were high. Nintendo had long dominated the space, and many wondered if a company focused on high-fidelity console games could truly compete in the portable market. screwballpress.com The PSP answered those doubts with confidence. What followed was a wave of PlayStation games that redefined what was possible on the go. Many of the best games on the PSP weren’t simply scaled-down experiences—they were full, rich adventures tailored to a new way of playing.
Unlike handheld systems that often offered lighter, shorter titles, the PSP provided expansive gameplay and deep narratives. One of the earliest and most successful examples of this was Daxter, a spin-off from the Jak and Daxter series. While it might have appeared to be a companion title at first glance, Daxter was a full-fledged 3D platformer with high production values and smart writing. It proved that PSP games could stand on their own merit and didn’t need to lean on their console siblings for credibility.
Similarly, Resistance: Retribution showed how a first-person shooter could be reimagined for a handheld without losing the tone or atmosphere of its console counterpart. It delivered tight controls, engaging cover mechanics, and an immersive story that added layers to the existing Resistance universe. For fans of the franchise, this game wasn’t optional—it was essential. And for newcomers, it was a perfect introduction to the gritty world that had become a staple of PlayStation games.
What helped elevate these experiences was the hardware. The PSP’s widescreen display, crisp graphics, and multimedia features meant developers had more room to explore. Killzone: Liberation, for example, made the bold choice to switch from the series’ usual first-person view to an isometric perspective. This creative decision worked perfectly for portable gameplay, offering tactical depth and smooth performance while retaining the franchise’s identity. It’s often cited as one of the best PSP games by fans who appreciated its fast-paced, intelligent action.
Not all successes were adaptations of console series, though. Some games flourished precisely because they were built from the ground up for the PSP. Lumines was one such title—a rhythm-based puzzle game that became synonymous with the PSP brand. Its mesmerizing visuals and music-driven gameplay loop provided a new kind of experience that felt just right for portable sessions. It wasn’t just one of the best PlayStation games on the PSP—it was one of the best games of its entire generation.
As Sony’s first foray into handheld gaming, the PSP left a lasting mark on the industry. It shifted expectations for what portable games could deliver and brought the signature PlayStation quality to a new format. While newer platforms continue to evolve the handheld experience, they owe a debt to the foundation laid by the PSP and its remarkable library of games.