The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s bold foray into the world of handheld gaming, and it quickly became a staple for those who wanted to game on the go. Released in 2004, the PSP boasted impressive graphics for its time, and its library of games featured a wide range of genres, from action to strategy to role-playing games. Despite being discontinued in 2014, many of its standout games are still beloved by fans today. If you’re lucky enough to own a PSP—or simply looking to explore its catalog—these five games remain the cream of the crop and are still worth playing today.

One of the standout titles of the PSP is God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008). A prequel to the original God of War series, Chains of Olympus delivers all the visceral combat, mythological storytelling, and brutal action that fans had come to expect. The PSP’s limited processing power didn’t stop the developers at Ready at Dawn from delivering a game that felt like a true God of War experience. mage77 Featuring massive bosses, challenging puzzles, and deep character development, Chains of Olympus remains one of the best action games on the PSP.

For fans of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007) is a must-play. This game is a port of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy Tactics from the PlayStation 1, but with added content, enhanced visuals, and updated voice acting. The game’s complex battle system and compelling story of political intrigue and warfare have made it a fan favorite. The intricate tactical gameplay allows for hours of strategic depth, making it one of the most well-regarded strategy RPGs on any handheld console.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010) is another essential PSP title. Set in the same universe as Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Peace Walker follows Big Boss as he assembles a mercenary army and navigates a world filled with political turmoil and nuclear threats. The game’s unique blend of stealth, action, and deep narrative threads made it a standout title for the PSP. Peace Walker also introduced cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends to tackle missions together—an innovative feature for a handheld game at the time.

Persona 3 Portable (2010) is another gem that made its way to the PSP. While the original Persona 3 was released for the PlayStation 2, the PSP version brought the same deep RPG experience to a portable format. Persona 3 Portable introduces a female protagonist, offering a fresh perspective on the game’s story and social simulation elements. The game’s combination of dungeon-crawling, turn-based combat, and relationship-building is a formula that has since become a hallmark of the Persona series. It remains one of the best portable RPGs ever created.

For those who love rhythm games, Patapon (2008) is a quirky, fun, and highly addictive title that stands out on the PSP. In Patapon, players control a tribe of small, drum-using creatures as they march to the beat of various rhythms, battling enemies and completing tasks. The game’s unique combination of rhythm-based mechanics and strategy makes it both a visually delightful and engaging experience. Its simple yet effective gameplay loop has made it a fan favorite, and its sequels have continued to build on its charm.