When looking back on Sony’s handheld history, it’s impossible to ignore the depth and ambition of its PSP catalog. Often overshadowed by the home consoles, the PSP quietly hosted some of the best games of its era—titles that combined pragmatic4d console-quality depth with portable accessibility. While the PlayStation Vita tried to continue that legacy, it’s the original PSP games that laid the foundation for handheld gaming greatness and continue to garner appreciation years after the system’s retirement.

One reason these games were so impactful is that they didn’t compromise. Jeanne d’Arc, for instance, provided a full tactical RPG experience with stunning anime visuals and an emotionally resonant story. Midnight Club: L.A. Remix brought open-world racing to the palm of your hand, and Silent Hill: Origins proved that even horror could be effectively translated to a portable format. These weren’t lesser versions of console games—they were bold, unique, and often pushed boundaries.

Today, as more players turn to retro gaming and emulation, there’s growing interest in bringing these PSP games back into the spotlight. Remasters, ports, or even spiritual successors on the PlayStation 5 or PlayStation Plus would allow new audiences to experience what made these titles stand out. With so much attention on big-budget PlayStation games, it’s important to remember the creative risks and unique experiences that came from its portable roots.

The best games aren’t always the biggest or most marketed—they’re the ones that deliver unforgettable moments, regardless of platform. Many PSP games did just that, and they deserve to be preserved and reintroduced in the modern gaming conversation.