When the PSP launched, many assumed it would be home to scaled-down versions of popular cendanabet PlayStation games. While this was true to an extent, what actually happened was more surprising—many PSP games didn’t just replicate the experience; they elevated it. By embracing the strengths of the platform, developers managed to create entries in major franchises that stood on their own and sometimes surpassed expectations set by their console counterparts.

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a prime example. It retained the series’ brutal combat and epic scale, despite being designed for a handheld. The game’s impressive visuals and tight controls showcased how the PSP could handle large-scale action games without compromise. Similarly, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker brought a surprisingly deep experience to the handheld, with a layered narrative, multiplayer features, and strategic elements that rivaled the main series.

These weren’t lazy ports—they were purpose-built titles that took into account the way players engage with handheld devices. Session length, UI layout, and even storytelling structure were all thoughtfully designed to suit portable play. The result was a library of PSP games that felt optimized, not compromised. Many of these entries introduced gameplay elements and storylines that would later influence their console counterparts.

Today, these PSP titles are remembered as some of the best games in their franchises—not just because they succeeded as handheld experiences, but because they pushed creative boundaries. The PSP may have been a small device, but the ambition behind its best games was massive.