Whenever lists of the best games are discussed, PlayStation consoles dominate slot the conversation. Titles like The Last of Us, Bloodborne, and God of War are held up as cultural triumphs that prove PlayStation games are a league of their own. Yet, tucked away in the history of gaming are PSP games that, while often overlooked, remain essential parts of the PlayStation legacy. They may not always be mentioned alongside the console blockbusters, but their significance is undeniable.

The PSP was Sony’s attempt to bring the weight of its console identity into the handheld market, and in doing so, it created a treasure trove of experiences. Persona 3 Portable gave players the chance to experience one of the most beloved RPGs in a new way, while Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep offered a crucial chapter in a sprawling saga. For many players, these PSP games were not side stories but some of the best games they had ever played, providing depth, artistry, and accessibility all in one.

What made PSP games unique was their ability to blend blockbuster ambition with personal intimacy. You didn’t just play Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII on a big screen in a living room—you carried Zack Fair’s story with you, experiencing it in small fragments on buses, during breaks, or late at night under dim lights. This portability gave PSP games an emotional weight that console experiences, for all their grandeur, could never fully replicate. They became companions, woven into the rhythms of everyday life.

Today, as PlayStation continues to dominate with PS5 releases, there is growing nostalgia for the PSP’s contributions. Fans increasingly recognize that the best games are not defined solely by their scale but by the moments they create. PSP games offered countless such moments, and their place in gaming history is secure. They are not forgotten—they are simply waiting for a new generation to rediscover their brilliance.