When the PlayStation Portable was launched, it broke barriers in handheld gaming with its powerful graphics and wide selection of titles that could rival those on home consoles. Even in 2025, many of the best PSP games remain highly regarded and frequently emulated on modern devices. Among them is Daxter, a Poker Online spin-off of the popular Jak and Daxter series. This title stood out due to its fast-paced platforming, polished level design, and witty humor. While it lacked the sprawling open-world structure of its PS2 counterparts, Daxter held its own as a standalone adventure that showcased the capabilities of the PSP.
One of the most technically impressive games on the system was Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror. Building on the legacy of the franchise, this game delivered a rich stealth-action experience with tight controls and detailed graphics that pushed the PSP hardware to its limits. Players praised its well-paced story, clever AI, and the variety of mission objectives that kept gameplay fresh. The multiplayer mode was also a big hit, offering fast and fluid matches on a portable system well before mobile gaming became mainstream.
LittleBigPlanet PSP offered a charming and accessible experience that captured the creativity of its PS3 sibling. Players could build their own levels, share them online, and play through hundreds of user-generated stages. Despite the limitations of the handheld device, LittleBigPlanet PSP maintained its whimsical art style and inventive platforming mechanics. It was a showcase of how community-driven content could thrive on portable platforms and became a creative playground for fans of the series.
Another fan-favorite was Jeanne d’Arc, an original tactical RPG from Level-5 that blended French historical fiction with fantastical elements. With its turn-based battles, anime-inspired visuals, and a gripping storyline, the game quickly gained a dedicated following. It remains one of the most beloved RPGs on the PSP, often mentioned alongside bigger franchises like Final Fantasy Tactics. Today, it’s still recommended to players seeking a deep and rewarding tactical experience on handheld systems.