When Sony introduced the PSP in 2004, it wasn’t just releasing a new device—it was launching a portable revolution. Until then, handheld gaming was largely dominated by simple graphics and pick-up-and-play titles. But the PSP changed pianototo everything. It brought complex, story-driven, console-quality experiences into the palm of your hand. For fans of PlayStation games, this was a dream come true—and for the industry, it marked a shift in what mobile gaming could aspire to.

Sony didn’t take shortcuts. Rather than porting watered-down versions of console hits, developers created original entries built from the ground up for the PSP. God of War: Chains of Olympus and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker stand as two shining examples of this approach—both were fully developed, content-rich games that could stand proudly beside their home-console siblings. These weren’t compromised; they were optimized, making them two of the best games ever released on the platform.

The PSP was also instrumental in nurturing niche genres that may not have had space on bigger systems. JRPGs, strategy titles, and visual novels thrived on the platform, giving rise to cult favorites like Persona 3 Portable and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. These games offered lengthy campaigns and deep systems that rewarded thoughtful play—experiences once thought impossible on a handheld. The system became a safe haven for creativity and storytelling, expanding the very definition of a PlayStation game.

More than a technical achievement, the PSP was a cultural moment. It created a new kind of gamer: one who expected the full experience wherever they went. The legacy of PSP games can still be felt today in the success of systems like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. But make no mistake—it was Sony’s bold step with the PSP that paved the way. For players who lived through that era, those games weren’t just entertainment—they were a revolution you could carry in your pocket.