The 10 best PSP games as Sony handheld celebrates 10th anniversary

Sony’s first handheld hit the UK 10 years ago today, so here’s what we think the system’s best titles are, from LocoRoco to Monster Hunter.

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) might not be as celebrated as the Nintendo DS or the Game Boy, but it was a quiet success for Sony’s first jump into the handheld space.

The PSP launched in Japan on December 12, 2004 but came to the UK and Europe on September 1, 2005, and by the end of its run had sold over 80 million units worldwide. That’s more than the Nintendo 3DS (75.94 million) and around the same amount as the Game Boy Advance (81.51 million), although much of its popularity was based solely Japan.

As rumours suggest the PlayStation 6 will have a handheld model, it’s a good excuse to look back on Sony’s first portable, which was a far greater success than many in the West realise. And if you need proof of that, we’ve named the best 10 games, in no particular order, below….

Persona 3 Portable

While now largely redundant thanks to Persona 3 Reload, this abridged portable version of Atlus’s standout role-player was a gateway entry for many. It lacks features from the expanded Persona 3 FES, namely anime cut scenes and fully 3D environments, but it adds unique extras like the option to play as a female protagonist – which were missing from Reload.

Patapon

This rhythm strategy game was one of the first PSP exclusives to become a major hit. Developed by Pyramid and Japan Studio, you lead a battalion of Patapons via rhythmic button presses to attack or defend against the Zigoton empire. It’s exactly the kind of creative lunacy modern Sony is missing, and you can play it on modern consoles via a remastered compilation that, unusually, was also released on Nintendo Switch.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of The Lions

While Final Fantasy Tactics didn’t debut on Sony’s handheld, this updated version helped to ensure its continued popularity. The War Of The Lions features revised cel-shaded cut scenes and new character classes. While you can play it now on mobile, it will be adapted as part of the upcoming Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles on September 30.

WipEout Pure

A launch title for the PSP and probably the best racing game on the system, WipEout Pure is one of the last great WipEout games before Sony swept it under the rug. A sequel, Wipeout Pulse, was released on the system too in 2007, although this entry had the most impact.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

A key reason why the PSP was so successful in Japan was the popularity of Monster Hunter, and Freedom Unite is arguably the best entry on the system (of the ones which came out in the West, at least). It looks dated now, especially in comparison to Monster Hunter Wilds, but the core systems are still as strong as they ever were.

LocoRoco 2

LocoRoco continues to be celebrated today, with dedications in Astro Bot and re-releases on the PlayStation 4, yet it all started on the PSP. In this vibrant platformer you tilt, bounce, and roll LocoRoco blobs through various stages to bring music back into the world. The sequel expands on the original with a stack of new abilities.

GTA: Vice City Stories

Three GTA games were released on the PSP, with the first being GTA: Liberty City Stories, but the sequel is arguably Rockstar’s best outing on the system. This prequel to GTA: Vice City sees you assume control of ex-soldier Vic Vance, as he tries to build up a criminal empire with his brother Lance. The unique gimmick was the empire building system, where you take over and develop businesses through specific missions.

Lumines

Sony’s greatest puzzle game debuted as a launch title for the PSP. Lumines Puzzle Fusion is created by Sega veteran, and Rez creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who went on to create the seminal Tetris Effect. A new entry, Lumines Arise, is set to launch in November, and if it’s anything as addictive, you’ll be seeing 2×2 blocks rotating in your dreams.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Hideo Kojima’s stealth action series might be well celebrated overall, but this 2010 entry on the PSP is easily the most overlooked. Despite being on a smaller system, it’s arguably one of the most robust titles in the series – with core campaign missions, an army management Mother Base mode similar to Portable Ops, and a full multiplayer suite.

God Of War: Chains Of Olympus

Much like Metal Gear Solid, one of the best God Of War titles is secretly housed on the PSP. God Of War: Chains Of Olympus is a prequel to the original 2005 PlayStation 2 action game, as Kratos looks to track down the Sun God, Helios. It was followed by an equally great sequel entitled God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta in 2010.

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