The PlayStation Portable may not be the first handheld console that comes to mind today, but it offered a wealth of games that are still well worth playing. Its unique combination of power and portability allowed SAJITOTO developers to create rich, complex experiences that rivaled those on home consoles. For players willing to dive back into its library, the PSP offers an impressive variety of games that have aged surprisingly well.

One standout is Patapon, a rhythm-based strategy game where players command a tribe of warriors through musical inputs. Its quirky art style and addictive gameplay created a distinctive experience unlike anything else on the PSP or other handhelds. It showcased the platform’s potential for innovative, genre-blending titles that challenged conventions.

Racing fans found joy in Wipeout Pure, a futuristic racer known for its fast-paced action and electronic soundtrack. Its smooth controls and sharp graphics pushed the handheld’s hardware to the limit, proving that portable devices could deliver adrenaline-pumping thrills. The game’s enduring appeal lies in its tight design and the high skill ceiling that kept players coming back.

For RPG enthusiasts, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII offered a compelling prequel to one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. Its engaging combat system, emotional story, and connections to the larger Final Fantasy universe made it a must-play for fans. Despite being a portable title, it didn’t compromise on narrative depth or production values.

Rediscovering PSP games is a reminder of the creativity and ambition that defined Sony’s first handheld. These titles may have been overshadowed at launch, but their unique gameplay and memorable stories endure, offering portable classics for new and returning players alike.