When Sony launched the PlayStation Portable, it was clear that their intention was to bring console-level quality to handheld gaming. Unlike its competitors at the time, the PSP was オンカジ marketed as a serious gaming device with multimedia features and an expansive screen. But what truly defined its legacy were the PlayStation games that found a second home—or even a first—on the system, many of which are still ranked among the best games in Sony’s history.
Games like Daxter helped establish the PSP as a serious platform early in its lifecycle. As a spin-off of the beloved Jak and Daxter franchise, this platformer retained the humor and action of its console predecessors while introducing mechanics tailored to the handheld format. It proved that the magic of PlayStation games could be effectively translated to the smaller screen without sacrificing depth or charm.
Another key title was Resistance: Retribution, a third-person shooter that brought the gritty world of the Resistance franchise to handheld gamers. Despite the limitations of a single analog nub, the game delivered tight controls, an engaging campaign, and even connectivity with Resistance 2 on the PlayStation 3. This level of integration was rare at the time and showed how PSP games could complement the home console experience.
Wipeout Pure gave fans of the futuristic racing series a slick, high-speed entry on the go. Known for its incredible sense of speed and stylish visuals, the game stood as a showcase for what the PSP could graphically achieve. It was one of the best games for early adopters of the system and played a major role in showing the handheld’s potential beyond platformers and RPGs.
With strong third-party support and beloved first-party franchises, the PSP became a portable haven for quality PlayStation games. It blurred the line between console and handheld in ways that were revolutionary for the time. Even today, many of these titles are considered essential experiences, not just for PSP owners but for PlayStation fans in general.