During its time, the PSP delivered console-level experiences that defied the limitations of handheld gaming. Some PSP games were so ambitious in scope and design that they felt like full-fledged PS2 titles shrunk down to fit in your pocket. One standout is God of War: Chains of Olympus, https://www.toyotastartupawards.com/ which brought Kratos’s brutal journey to handheld without compromising the cinematic flair or depth of combat that defined the series. It felt massive, with boss fights and set pieces that seemed impossible for a portable device.

Another epic handheld experience was Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, which didn’t just deliver a great stealth-action campaign—it also featured extensive co-op modes, base management, and a sprawling narrative that added critical lore to the MGS timeline. Hideo Kojima didn’t treat it like a side project; Peace Walker was essential Metal Gear, and it played beautifully on the PSP.

Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core was another title that felt like a full console RPG. With gorgeous cutscenes, an emotional storyline, and real-time combat mechanics, it expanded on the mythos of one of gaming’s most beloved universes. For many fans, it became a defining PSP title—and its recent remake proves just how impactful it was.

These PSP games showed that handheld gaming wasn’t about compromise—it was about possibility. They pushed the limits of the hardware, challenged expectations, and left behind a legacy that handheld titles today are still trying to live up to.