When the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released in 2004, it quickly became one of the most beloved handheld consoles, offering a wide range of games that spanned various genres. Although the PSP is no longer in production, link tigerasia88 the games released for the platform continue to be celebrated by retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike. In 2025, these games still hold up, offering engaging gameplay, rich stories, and innovative mechanics that were ahead of their time. Here’s a look at why PSP games continue to be relevant and appreciated by gamers today.
One of the most standout features of the PSP was its ability to deliver console-quality experiences on a portable device. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is a prime example of this. The open-world game offered a complete and immersive version of Liberty City, complete with missions, side activities, and the chaotic freedom that GTA fans loved. The story was gripping, the city was massive, and the gameplay was fun and addictive. Despite being on a handheld system, Liberty City Stories was a full GTA experience, proving that the PSP could deliver console-level quality on the go. Even in 2025, the game’s attention to detail and engaging narrative make it a standout in handheld gaming.
Another title that continues to stand the test of time is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. This action RPG serves as a prequel to one of the most iconic games in the RPG genre, Final Fantasy VII, and it continues to be a favorite among fans. The gameplay, which blends real-time combat with a unique slot-based system, was innovative for its time, and the emotional story that follows Zack Fair’s journey is both compelling and unforgettable. The characters, music, and setting of Crisis Core make it an enduring classic, one that continues to resonate with Final Fantasy VII fans even in 2025. It’s a perfect example of how PSP games brought console-quality experiences to a portable format.
For fans of strategy games, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a perfect example of why PSP games still hold up. This tactical RPG features deep, strategic combat, an engaging storyline, and multiple branching paths. The game’s hand-drawn visuals are beautiful, and its intricate combat system rewards players for thinking critically about every move. The story’s complex political intrigue and morally gray characters make it a standout title for fans of deep, narrative-driven games. Despite its age, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together still holds up as one of the best tactical RPGs ever made, demonstrating the PSP’s ability to deliver nuanced, challenging experiences.
Another classic is LocoRoco, a whimsical platformer that was ahead of its time. The game’s charming art style, catchy music, and simple yet addictive gameplay made it a standout title on the PSP. Players guide a group of adorable creatures through a series of colorful, gravity-defying levels, solving puzzles and collecting items along the way. The gameplay is easy to pick up, but the levels become increasingly complex, keeping players engaged. The lighthearted nature of LocoRoco still resonates with players today, showing that great gameplay doesn’t need to be complicated to be enjoyable.
The PSP’s library remains full of timeless classics that continue to stand up to modern games. Whether it’s the open-world chaos of Liberty City Stories, the strategic depth of Tactics Ogre, or the quirky fun of LocoRoco, these games still provide fun, engaging experiences that hold their value even in 2025. The PSP was truly ahead of its time, and its games continue to be remembered as some of the best handheld titles ever released.