Although Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) was discontinued in 2014, its influence on portable gaming is still felt today. The PSP was groundbreaking for its time, offering console-quality experiences on a handheld device, and its library of games remains a testament to its capabilities. One of the standout games for the PSP was Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. This entry in the GTA series brought the open-world chaos of Liberty City to the handheld platform with impressive results. Players could explore the city, engage in missions, and wreak havoc, all while experiencing the same level of detail and freedom as the main console versions. The ability to take the world of GTA on the go made Liberty City Stories a defining title for the PSP, offering a perfect blend of action, exploration, and storytelling.

Another classic PSP game that captured the hearts of players is Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (2010). As part of the Metal Gear franchise, Peace Walker brought the series’ signature blend of stealth, tokyo99 strategy, and deep storytelling to the handheld. The game’s narrative follows Big Boss as he confronts international tensions, and its addition of cooperative multiplayer set it apart from other titles in the series. Players could team up to complete missions, making it one of the first PSP titles to offer a meaningful multiplayer experience. The game’s strong narrative, coupled with the ability to strategize and work with others, made it one of the best examples of what the PSP could achieve in terms of both single-player and multiplayer gameplay.

Persona 3 Portable (2010) is another standout title for the PSP. A port of the beloved Persona 3 from the PlayStation 2, the portable version allowed players to experience the unique blend of dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and social simulation on the go. The story follows a group of high school students who battle strange creatures known as Shadows, all while balancing their school life and personal relationships. The game’s deep story, memorable characters, and strategic combat system made it one of the most beloved RPGs of its time. The addition of a female protagonist in Persona 3 Portable offered new perspectives on the story, giving players even more reasons to dive into its world.

Despite being long discontinued, the PSP’s legacy endures through games like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Persona 3 Portable. These titles showcased the full potential of handheld gaming, offering rich, immersive experiences that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a portable console. Though newer devices may have surpassed the PSP in terms of technology, these iconic games continue to be fondly remembered by fans and serve as a reminder of the PSP’s impact on the gaming industry.