When it comes to listing the best PSP games on the planet, you need to speak to people who have used this portable handheld console until their fingers have gone numb and their hands have become sore.
Luckily, we at Retro Dodo are those very people, and we’ve more than put the PSP through its paces over the years.
Sometimes, Sony’s mini gaming device gets shoved aside and overshadowed by the best Gameboy games and piled underneath a mound of Nintendo Switch Lite accessories, left to become a dusty relic of gaming past.
We’re here to tell you to brush off the dust and charge up the battery because it’s time for the PSP to shine once again!
Maybe we have too much time on our hands or maybe we just love testing games (definitely the second one), but we always have a couple of these units on hand in the office when we need a break from collecting stars in the Mushroom Kingdom or slaying Bokoblins in Hyrule Field.
But what are our go-to titles when we need a Playstation fix? Which are the best PSP games that get our gaming juices flowing?
Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
55. Crush (2007)
You might have heard Flight of the Conchords riffing about the works of Escher, and those mind bending marvels make the basis of the first title in our best PSP games list, Crush!
Take Danny, a chap with insomnia on a mind-bending adventure.
Yes, you’re about to play through levels inside someone’s mind… talk about a serious case of inception!
It’s safe to say that Danny has lost his marbles. In this case, quite literally, and players must find them hidden throughout each level.
Remember the cool mechanic in A Link Between Worlds where players have to go flat and move in a 2D fashion. Well, ‘crushing’ allows Danny to move from 3D to 2D to reach areas that were previously inaccessible.
Crush is one of those puzzle titles that never gets old and stands the test of time when it comes to giving your brain a good-old workout!
54. Every Extend Extra (2006)
If we’re sticking on the theme of brain-bending games, then Every Extend Extra is up there with the best too.
How do you feel about a game where you have to blow your ship up to defend yourself from oncoming attacks?
Bizarre right, but so addictive I think it could be the main reason I shave my head at 32…
It’s all about holding off until the right moment and exploding at the right moment, pulling off those epic bonuses by destroying enemies in chains.
Obviously, this removes a life, so you need to make sure you get enough points every time to bag another life for the next time you need to ‘defend’ yourself.
No shooting, but amazing music. I guess it’s a trade off we can live with!
53. The Sims 2 (2004)
The Sims 2 hardly needs an introduction. I think we all played this game to death back in the early noughties and enjoyed making waves and creating a life for our chosen character.
The PSP version of the PC game is an adventure with certain features from the PC title. Customise and create features as you explore Strangetown, conversing with the people who live there as you complete tasks.
As with all life simulation games, there are missions that border on the mundane and ones that will blow your mind. Eat, shower, and then whack a Zombie.
You know how it is
Keep your character from going crazy, make sure they’re happy, and enjoy building a weird and wonderful world for them to live in.
52. Metal Gear Ac!d (2004)
Next up in our list of the best PSP games of all time is a series that you should already be pretty familiar with. Metal Gear Ac!d (complete with quirky ‘!’ replacing the i) brings familiar MGS sights and sounds to the PSP with a little twist.
Let’s cover the plot first.
Players control Solid Snake as he tries to figure out what a bunch of terrorists who have hijacked a plane want in return for a senator’s life.
Nothing too serious then, eh?
Now, I know you’re getting ready to dive into gun-toting action and lots of stealth gameplay, but you might have to hold your horses…
The twist of this game is that it’s actually a turn-based card game.
Yes… MSG meets The Pokemon TCG universe… almost.
Plan moves by using certain cards that you have in your pile. It’s weird… and by all accounts it shouldn’t be as addictive as it is. It’s definitely different, I’ll give it that!
51. Up (2009)
We all know the storyline for the next title in our list of the best PSP games. Up is responsible for men, women, children, and animals all over the globe shedding a tear while following Carl Frederickson’s story, and the game manages to capture all of those same feel-good vibes.
Players can control both Carl and Russel the lovable Boy Scout as they move between the game’s levels. Each character has special abilities; Carl can use his walking stick in a similar fashion to Scrooge McDuck, and Russel can shine light into enemies’ eyes with his magnifying glass
The levels look fantastic on the PSP, yet another example of how this portable handheld surpasses itself time and time again.
Play well-thought-out mini games such as raft riding and sit back while you watch actual scenes taken from the iconic movie.
Some movie/game ports end up being completely dire, but this isn’t one of them. If you enjoyed the film (of course you did), then you’ll fall in love with the game immediately.
50. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of The Lions (2007)
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of the Lions is up next, a title that seriously works your braincells into a frenzy.
As you might have guessed from an RPG such as this, there are lots of character obtaining and team building elements. Collect items, built the best party, and upgrade your job ranking as you move through the game’s levels.
Each character has a unique skillset that will help you on the road ahead.
In looks, gameplay, and style, the PSP version of the game plays and feels like the PS1 title. It’s perfect to the finest detail and makes for a brilliant portable playing experience.
Some maps have been reworked to iron out parts that that didn’t work on the original; think of it as the original supercharged to 11.
And, with cel-shaded cut-scenes that help to tell the story, this PSP game is a real visual feast for the eyes.
49. Riviera: The Promised Land (2006)
The 49th spot in our best PSP games list goes to Riviera: The Promised Land.
This fantastic game first appeared on the WonderSwan, Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi’s Japanese handheld phenomenon.
Now, on the PSP, it’s one of the most sought after games on the console thanks to the epic voice acting and a storyline that Tolkien would have been proud of.
There are six characters to play as, each boasting their own backstory and secrets to uncover. They also have individual skills that will aid you throughout the levels.
The game itself feels like a playable comic book, though not as obviously as games like Comix Zone. The story is based on Norse Mythology and heavily features dark angels, magic spells, pointy swords, and the realm of Asgard.
Sounds like a recipe for success to me!
48. Marvel Ultimate Alliance (2006)
Now, let’s check out an RPG with a different twist, shall we?
Gaming and the MCU go hand in hand, right? We all love the famous characters in Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and teaming them up through an action/RPG is something that each and everyone of us probably dreams about on a regular basis as it is.
Make a team of your four favourite fighters and take on challenges. Get bonus points for making teams within the existing Marvel factions – Avengers, X-Men, Defenders etc.
This game dropped on all consoles back in 2006, but the PSP version was my favourite handheld port. It wiped the floor with the GBA version, even though the graphics were simplified.
You just can’t beat playing on the PSP’s wider screen!
In true RPG fashion, players can uncover different endings depending on which characters are in their group. Unlock other fighters and discover new quests as the game progresses too!
47. The 3rd Birthday (2012)
The 3rd Birthday takes the 47th spot on this list of the best PSP games of all time, making the third title in the epic Parasite Eve series.
Take control of Aya Brea once again, but this time in a new role. She’s no longer a cop but works for the Counter Twisted Organisation, a specialist squad that fights the Twisted.
Like Resident Evil 4, the camera sits over Aya’s shoulder, drawing players into the action.
The best part about The 3rd Birthday is the new ability that Aya can now wield while fighting monsters. She can move her soul between other allies, taking control of other NPCs briefly to get the better of her opponents.
The Parasite Eve series is known for its creepy monsters and edge-of-your-seat thrilling quests. and Aya’s portable adventure certainly doesn’t disappoint.
46. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (2005)
Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is up next, bringing classic Marvel heroes and villains up against a horde of new characters.
In many ways, this feels and plays like a Marvel version of Super Smash Bros. mixed with Mortal Kombat, boasting fatality moves and button-mashing attacks galore.
Players can control Venom, Iron Man, Wolverine, and many more famous faces, with action taking inspiration from a mini comic series that came back in 2005.
If you’re a marvel fan that likes the idea of little known characters that are a part of the wider MCU who only appeared in one game, then this is definitely worth a shot.
In all fairness, and considering this game didn’t get a good review back in the day, it’s actually fun to play through. If you like beat-em-ups, then fill ‘yer boots!
45. Call of Duty: Roads to Victory (2007)
Call of Duty: Roads to Victory takes the 45th position in our mighty list of the best PSP games of all time.
Based on COD3, this portable game is basically a watered down version of the console title, with many of the same maps but different objectives and changes to make play on a smaller console easier and smoother.
Still, there’s still plenty of Nazi-hunting, rocket-firing, sniper-rifle action for players to sink their teeth into; it’s still COD game, after all!
Players move through different missions playing as different Allied forces, choosing from Canadian, British, and American troops.
Take over bunkers, find out where secret documents are hidden, and rid France of Nazi forces as you gun back enemies from every direction.
The PSP might be small, but the multiplayer on this game is also incredibly mighty. Play with up to 6 people through different modes including deathmatch and everyone’s favourite multiplayer war game – capture the flag!
44. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2010)
Fans of Tactics Ogre: The Knights of Lodis will be huge fans of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.
All of the Tactical Ogre games are, for want of a better phrase, hard as nails. They’re what I like to call the advanced RPG player’s ‘weapon of choice’ and take some series thinking about.
We’re talking the kind of tactical mind that gets you bumped up to General in the army without having to do any of the grunt work.
Put your grey matter to the test with battles on carefully planned grids, tactical manoeuvres, and more puzzling gameplay that you can shake a spear at.
The isometric top-down view gives players a great vantage point of all the whole battlefield. The speed and movements of each character play a big part in your success too; it’s a feast for the senses.
43. WWE All Stars (2011)
WWE All Stars takes the 43rd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time, bringing all star wrestling action into the palms of your hands.
Listen, we all know that Wrestling games are superb, there’s no denying that. And even on PPSSPP, one of the best PSP emulators, this game look and plays like an absolute dream.
Play as classic characters such as the Rock, Undertaker, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, and many more!
In many ways, All Stars players like the Wrestlemania arcade game. It’s focuses less on the simulated elements of the Smackdown games and is more of a fighting title.
Imagine Street Fighter in a ring, and you get the general idea.
Of course, everything from the entrances to the finishing the moves are over the top and cheesy as hell, but that’s why we love WWE. It’s the showmanship and aura that these larger than life characters provide that make WWE what it is, and all of those elements come across perfectly in this portable title.
42. Fifa 09 (2008)
Fifa 09 is a title that doesn’t really need any introduction or spiel whatsoever to be honest; football game from 2008 with all the popular teams in it.
Can you tell I don’t really follow football that much?
There are over 250 improvements from the previous game in Fifa 09 included a new collision detection system. How fast you tackle determines the outcome of the impact, probably resulting in more red cards if I’m playing.
With new moves and character profiles that match the players (big dudes can knock down small dudes and cheat just like in the real game), this was the most realistic Football game ever… until Fifa 10 came out.
One new feature was the ‘Be A Pro’ mode, allowing gamers to take a player from their chosen team through a season in one position. Live the action of improving their skills on the go and working to be a proper team player.
Remember the smart controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe too? Well, players new to Fifa can use special controls to make them as good as advanced players until they learn the ropes.
Now even people with two left feet like me can be a pro!
41. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy (2011)
It’s time to take a take a look at the first RPG on our list with Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy!
Many gamers actually pronounce the 12 as Duodecim, which seems a lot cooler than sticking a 012 in the title.
The number 12 does play a big part in this game however, with the plot focusing on the 12th war between Cosmos and Chaos.
Oh yeah; we’re getting straight into the nerdy goodness straight away here folks!
In pretty much every way, this game is similar to the original Dissidia Final Fantasy. It features map-based combat where two characters battle it out to see who is victorious.
Pull off bravery attacks and steal bravery points from players too chicken to beat you. It’s basically bullying other characters using swords and powers…
The main change from the first game is the single player gameplay. Players now take characters through a game world reminiscent of the other Final Fantasy titles, exploring every inch of the map and taking part in random events along the way.
That’s the best bit about FF games, after all. Losing yourself in a dark and dingy dungeon with your mates at your back is why we live for these games!
40. PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (2010)
PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe is the way to play the game. The original title is fine and the expansion pack made it even better, but a game doesn’t get the word ‘deluxe’ on it unless it’s the real deal.
The deluxe version has all the features of the expansion with tonnes of new levels and features for gamers to enjoy. We’re talking new enemies, new music, and of course, more towers.
I should probably explain what is going on in this game for readers who have no idea what I’m on about.
This is tower defence at its finest. The aim of the game is to build gnarly towers in order to stop big brutes from getting to a specific location.
Keep your creatures alive, defend your town, hut, or base, and gun down bad guys using the different weapons associated with each tower. It’s a fun, tactical game that fans of Advance Wars are sure to love.
39. Ridge Racer (2004)
As racing titles go, Ridge Racer is one of the best. Blast through 24 circuits from the Ridge Racer series including the original arcade game, drifting around corners and racing into the sunset.
Seriously, the PSP does things with this game that it shouldn’t be able to do for such a small console. The graphics are great, and classic tracks such as Crimonsonrock Pass look spectacular, even on a small screen!
Those of you bored of replaying Mario Kart 7 on the DS need this in your lives. With Time Attack modes and WiFi play for 8 players, there’s no chance of ever getting bored while playing Ridge Racer.
Of course, having Nitrous boost at your disposal instantly makes any game better. Drifting around corners while accelerating at insane speeds is the stuff that dreams are made of.
38. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (2011)
You may well be seeing another Persona title further down this list at some point, but I couldn’t go any further without mentioning Persona 2: Innocent Sin.
As part of the famous JRPG Persona series, Innocent Sin has a vast array of characters including one called the Führer… and yes, he looks a lot like that evil dude that you’re thinking of.
I’m not sure why Hitler is in the fictional City of Sumaru, but he and a villain called The Joker have to answer to a group of high school students wielding patronus style personas.
Let’s back up a little bit. The kids in Persona 2 use amplified parts of their personalities that turn into warriors in battle. Think Yu-Gi-Oh meets Expecto Patronum, and you’ll be in the right ball park.
Fans of Fire Emblem will love the tactical turn-based gameplay that makes JRPGs so damn fun, along with the brilliant artwork that goes into the on-screen speech exchanges between characters.
One cool feature is the rumour system. Rumours can be spread from NPCs by players and will eventually come true, affecting the entire game world. It’s a neat little trick and one that makes chatting to every character a must.
37. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (2006)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky takes the 37th spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time.
Fans of the Trails series will no doubt already know all about this epic game. I can still remember the first time I visited the Liberl Kingdom, getting stuck into spellbinding battles and meeting all the colourful characters that live there.
Grid based battles are the aim of the game in this Legend of Heroes titles, that and exploring, killing monsters, and collecting every single item that you can lay your hands on.
Oh, and don’t forget a plot line that would make Bilbo Baggins pack his bags in anticipation of another adventure at the drop of a hat!
Don’t panic; there are plenty of chances to level up characters and pick the brains of wise NPCs along the way. Those who love to get 101% on games will really get value for money with this one.
I look for an immersive and engaging fantasy experience when I play games like this, and the Trails series is dripping with so much nerdy goodness that I could play Trails in the Sky for days on end.
36. Wipeout Pure (2005)
Wipeout Pure is the first of two Wipeout titles in this list (PSP fans can probably guess which other one ranked higher!)
If you love racing games but think that the wheels get in the way, then Wipeout Pure should be on your list. Anti-gravity racing in space with courses that make you close your eyes as you go around corners…
… what could possibly go wrong!
The only thing that could make this game any better is adding intense futuristic weapons into the mix.
Good news; there are tonnes of them!
Playing our mates in Retro Dodo Towers via WiFi multiplayer is always a massive laugh. Pure is one of the most unpredictable games going; with speeds like these, the outcome of the race is anyones guess!
And the music; nothing gets you pumped like breakneck acceleration with banging tunes blasting into your headphones!
35. Lumines (2004)
It’s rare that puzzle games make it into lists of the best games for a console, let alone puzzle games that launched with the console itself, but Lumines has passed the test of time and proven its worth with gaming fans across the globe.
If you’re a fan of puzzlers such as Tetris, Zoocube, and Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training, then this psychedelic brain-teaser will be right up your street.
Lumines is one of the best PSP games if you like your titles to test your mental wit.
Block matching gameplay twinned with sound and light patterns make for a visual feast for the senses, and with new backgrounds and landscapes to discover as you progress through the game, it constantly evolves and stays fresh for the player.
The chances of you owning this game already if you’re a PSP user are pretty high, but if you haven’t had the pleasure of playing Luminess before, then get a copy and give it a go.
Fifteen years on and it’s still one of the most well thought out and best PSP games to date!
34. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)
It might surprise some of you that I’ve put Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars so high up in this list. The truth is that while I’m a fan of the series as a whole, I just loved other entries in this list of the best PSP games a whole lot more.
Having said that, this original story in the GTA canon brings all the open-world skulduggery that we love to the PSP with real style.
As always, anything is possible and highly probably in this game. Players take to the streets to survive amongst Triad wars while getting caught up with every type of crime and corruption imaginable.
In a step away from the traditional GTA feel, Chinatown Wars portrays all the action from above instead of behind the character.
The PSP port does away with the cel shaded graphics used on the DS and looks less like an interactive comic book, however, bringing it back in line with other titles from the series.
Set fire to everything, drive every car dangerously, and live like an absolute bawler on the mean streets of Chinatown!
33. Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (2006)
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is a PSP remake of the original Disgaea: Hour of Darkness for the PS2. Championing people who wear far too few clothes, this port is an updated version of the original with fine tuned features and new elements that make the gameplay oh so sweeter.
If I had to describe this game to another human, I would use the words ‘crazy’ a heck of a lot.
How many other games do you know of that feature explosive penguins armed with knives or a prince of darkness that is the biggest spoilt brat that you’ve ever met?
One of the things that I love about Afternoon of Darkness (apart from the fact that the name sounds like a really weird after-school club) is the fact that you can keep upgrading your characters long after the main story has finished.
It’s an open ended title, which means the fun only stops when you get bored of the characters… something that isn’t likely to happen any time soon!
If you liked this tactical RPG on the PS2, then you’ll love everything about the PSP port. Give it a go and let us know what kind of a nostalgia factor score you’d give it!
32. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror (2007)
Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror takes the 32nd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time!
Syphon Filter games are known for their stealthy snooping missions and picking off enemies in stressful situations. You’ll be happy to know that Dark Mirror is no different; if anything, it’s more like the original Syphon Filter games!
Gabe Logan is back for more covert action. Sometimes players take the role of Lian Xing, but it’s mostly Gabe in the firing line… something that we know he’s more than happy about.
Shooting around corners, using advanced military technology, infiltrating enemy bases with no knowledge of what might be waiting for him; these are the kinds of things that Gabe lives for.
If you’re the leader of a black-ops team that no one knows about, then I guess you get used to making 100 life and death decisions before breakfast.
The graphics in Black Mirror are superb, as is the gameplay and the sheer amount of firepower you can control throughout the different levels. We couldn’t have a list of the best PSP games without it!
Players resume the role of Gabe Logan and occasionally Lian Xing, special operatives for a secret government agency. The non-linear, open-ended feel of the previous game has been reverted to the linear gameplay. Several types of weapons and vision modes are introduced. Players can now hide against walls and shoot around corners. However, the roll ability is noticeably absent.[1]
31. Half-Minute Hero (2009)
Up next on our list of the best PSP games is Half-Minute Hero, a game that started life as a PSP exclusive for every gaming region back in 2009.
You might have guessed from the name, but this title has a hidden catch that makes everything a heck of a lot harder. Each single-player game mode, of which there are many, features a recurring game mechanic in which players must complete challenges and tasks in 30-seconds or under.
Half-Minute Hero… ? Now you get it, right?
Gamers control a hero through a series of levels with an aim of finding and destroying a gnarly boss in half-a-minute.
Finally, all that practice on WarioWare smooth moves and stressing my way through Majora’s Mask will finally come in handy!
Like Majora’s Mask, time can be reset ‘at your own peril’. That’s all I’ll say on that matter for now. Like all good RPGs, weapons and skills can be levelled up once overworld challenges have been successfully completed.
If most games prove tediously easy, then this could be one of the most challenging and best PSP games for you!
30. Tekken: Dark Resurrection (2006)
Tekken: Dark Resurrection takes the 30th spot on this list of the best PSP games ever made!
Dark Resurrection is an update to the Tekken 5 home console title and follows the same story. Still, it doesn’t matter that it’s not a new title; playing Tekken on the go is awesome no matter what the storyline is.
Compete to earn the rankings of Dark Lord and Divine Fist by battling against an epic roster of fighters. The Arcade Mode from Tekken 5 has been updated with 12 new rankings to achieve, which is great for killing time on a long train journey or summer days under your favourite tree in the park.
As well as customisable player options, the PSP version also came with a mode called Tekken Dojo. Gamers fight against ghosts of other fighters, a little like a time trial on Mario Kart.
This game even came with a PSP D-pad attachment in some regions, though sadly not in Europe.
29. YS Seven (2009)
YS Seven makes up part of the epic YS series and appeared on the PSP back in 2009. Some of you may have read about YS over on our list of the best Turbografx 16 games, and the PSP offering is just as fantastical (if that’s even a word… ).
This game is set in the kingdom of Altago. While out trying to find adventures to keep them occupied, Adol and Dogi get thrown into jail after trying to save a woman from being harassed.
People just can’t do good deeds anymore!
In a bit of a swtich up from the other YS games, YS Seven sees players choosing weapon types to maximise or minimise damage rather than swapping between weapons and magic.
Parties can have up to three people in them, and hitting enemies charges up meters for upgrading skills and unleashing super attacks.
Listen, if you’ve played an RPG before, then you’ll know how this game works. It’s a classic role-playing-monster from start to finish. Give it a go and let us know your thoughts!
28. Ape Escape: On The Loose (2009)
Ape Escape: On The Loose takes the 28th spot on this list of the best PSP games of all time!
On the loose is a PSP remake of the original Ape Escape game, allowing fans of the series to play the home console version on the go!
Players must capture apes using all sorts of gadgets and technical marvels, working their way through lots of Spyro-esque designed levels in search of silly simians on the run.
Speaking of silly Simians, players chase after a monkey named Specter who gains enhanced intelligence and a bit of a nasty manner after donning a special helmet
Armed with gadgets galore, gamers control Spike as he tries to stop Specter from sending his monkey minions back through time and rewriting history!
If you like the graphical stylings of Space Station Silicon Valley and enjoy chasing after naughty primates, then this game is definitely for you!
27. Split/Second (2010)
Next up on our list of the best PSP games is Split/Second, a Disney Studios game that certainly isn’t safe for mice, ducks, or whatever animal Goofy is.
If you like your reality TV shows to have that Hunger Games feel, then you’ll be all over Split/Second. Based on a fictional TV program, players must take part in a series of events in order to blow things up. These ‘power plays’ can only be achieved by scoring big and taking risks in high-octane races.
Split/Second is a game where the course can change midway through the race. By performing stunts, overtaking players mid-air, and driving like a Formula 1 god, players can fill their power meter and trigger an explosion that could totally affect the outcome of the race.
Players can open up new sections, block parts of a track, or create obstacles that your opponents have to tackle.
Any reality TV show where dams burst and bombs fall from helicopters isn’t one that I want to be a part of… in real life, at least!
The PSP version has some subtle differences from the main console versions, including fine-tuning of the game mechanics and alterations that make racing on the PSP easier. A new track featuring all three docks in one lap appears as a PSP only level too.
26. Mega Man Powered Up (2006)
Everyone’s favourite robo-space-fighter (sorry, Buzz Lightyear) is back in this epic PSP adventure. If you have played the original Mega Man for the SNES, then Mega Man Powered Up will be right you your futuristic street.
Powered Up is a remake of the SNES side-scrolling adventure and arrived on the PSP in 2006. You might be thinking that it looks a little like Viewtiful Joe crossed with Ōkami and less like a Mega Man title, and you’d be right.
This game features the original Chibi graphics style that Capcom intended to use on the SNES game, though the console couldn’t handle the style at the time. It makes for a ‘cutesy’ Mega Man adventure, but the same awesome gameplay is still there!
As with the original 1987 Mega Man title, our blue-helmeted protagonist must stop the evil Dr Wily from destroying the world with his eight ginormous Robot Masters.
Mega Man might look mighty small in this title, but the Robot Masters still look pretty formidable! You can actually control them in this version, though you’ll have to find out how for yourself!
The game is vibrant and immersive and features all of the elements that we have come to love from Mega Man’s outings on various consoles. This is one of the best PSP games to play on long journeys and a great game to pick up and play while relaxing.
25. Killzone: Liberation (2006)
Next up on our list of the best PSP games of all time is a PSP exclusive title; Killzone: Liberation.
Unlike Mega Man Powered Up, this isn’t a game that you might play through to relax. It’s a thrilling adventure that requires stealth and concentration, one that players will need to be on the ball with if they want to survive.
Killzone: Liberation takes place eight weeks (or two months if you prefer) after the end of the first Killzone game for the PS2. Perhaps because of the PSP’s small size, this game is viewed from a top/down perspective, giving it that ‘classic RPG’ feel.
Fans of shooting games such as Syphon Filter and any Metal Gear Solid title will love Killzone: Liberation. As well as shooting bad guys and trying to stay alive, there is a collecting element to the game too.
By hoarding money cases that you find and completing certain tasks, players can upgrade weapons, discover new abilities, and eventually carry more items that can help them throughout the game.
With five stages comprising of twenty levels to play through, this is a game that will certainly give you value for money. Check it out; we promise you won’t be disappointed.
24. Burnout Legends (2005)
I’ve always loved Burnout games for their huge crashes and great car selection, and Burnout Legends brings all of the best bits of the franchise to the PSP.
Legends is essentially a mash-up of the first three Burnout games. It’s very similar to Burnout 3: Takedown, though everything has obviously been scaled down for the PSP.
All of the modes from the previous games feature in Legends including World Tour, Eliminator, and Face-Off, the latter giving users the chance to win legendary cars.
The best modes, however, have to be Road Rage and Pursuit. Road Rage requires players to drive badly, earning points for causing other cars to crash, while Pursuit sees gamers taking control of a cop car as they take down drivers.
There are 95 cars to unlock and race with in Burnout Legends, all of which are from Burnout 2 and 3.
The PSP does have an exclusive feature where players can ‘bet’ their collector car against another player online in order to try and collect all five unique cars. If you lose, however, then you lose your collector car!
23. LittleBigPlanet (2009)
I have still yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like LittleBigPlanet. An immersive adventure featuring a voiceover from Stephen Fry; what’s not to love!
Sackboy is an unlikely video game protagonist, but this brand new adventure made solely for the PSP has lots of great features that make ‘ol Sacklad a front runner for the PSP mascot!
If you’ve played the PS3 version of this game, then the mechanics are very similar. This version is actually a sequel to the original Little Big Planet and sees Sackboy taking a trip around the world on his holidays.
From Persia to Australia, and the Alpine Mountains to China, Sackboy meets different native characters from each of the countries he visits who help him on his many adventures.
There are 23 main levels and 14 exciting mini levels to play through as Sackboy collects prize bubbles containing everything from stickers to new costumes.
One of the best parts of this game was the level creator, where players could make their own levels for Sackboy to traverse through. Gamers could upload these for other users to play all over the globe, but sadly, the Little Big Planet servers closes forever in 2016.
22. Patapon (2007)
The first Patapon drops into the 22nd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time!
You’re going to see Patapon 3 a little bit further down this list… and I can best describe these games as like walking into a nervous breakdown.
They’re so crazy that I still don’t really understand them. All I know is that I like them, and I guess that’s all that really matters!
In a kind of ‘Black and White’ vibe, players play as the god ‘Almighty’ and must restore the Patapon tribe to their former glory.
Think Parappa the Rapper crossed with Donkey Kong as a gameplay style too. Complete actions in time with a drum beat and take down massive foes as you search for Earthend.
I think this seems like another bizarre scenario that Danny from Crush could find himself wandering into…
21. Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters (2007)
Up next is Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, a portable outing for two of Sony’s most-loved characters.
They might claim that size matters, but this portable powerhouse is an absolute belter of a game, proving that handheld titles can be just as exciting as their home console counterparts.
Once again, the PSP provides stunning graphics. And despite being interupted from their holidays, Ratchet and Clank set about rescuing a captured girl and dealing with the Technomites with a smile on their faces.
Ok, maybe not a smile, but they don’t complain while they’re doing it!
Upgrade weapons, acquire armour, and work your way through tonnes of exciting levels alongside lots of memorable characters that never fail to pull you back into the game time and time again.
Size Matters gained the accolade of handheld of the month back in 2007 with critics loving the pint-sized adventure and some of the new features it boasted. I love Ratchet and Clank, and the formula that make this series great has proven successful once again!
20. Wipeout Pulse (2007)
Next up on our list of the best PSP games is a futuristic racing game that fans of the F-Zero franchise won’t be able to get enough of.
Wipeout Pulse isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s high-octane racing that makes Mario Kart look like pushing a stroller through the park.
The year is 2207 (in the game; don’t worry, you haven’t travelled forward in time or anything), and you are about to take your positions in the FX400 anti-gravity racing league…
… let’s hope you haven’t had any lunch!
This game looks superb on the PSP, giving us yet another example of how incredible and ahead of its time this device truly is.
And talk about edge of your seat racing!
There are eight teams in Wipeout Pulse, and each ship has an energy field that protects the ship from bashes and crashes. If your energy runs out, then your ship explodes!
The game only features twelve tracks, but players can race these both forwards and backwards, essentially providing a mirror mode and taking the number to 24. With tonnes of extras to unlock and discover, this is one racing game you’ll find hard to put down.
19. Resistance: Retribution (2009)
Up next on our list of the best PSP games is Resistance: Retribution, a portable adventure from the Resistance timeline that falls in between ‘Fall of Man’ and Resistance 2.
For starters, let’s talk about that epic online multiplayer! Up to 8 people could battle it out online using some of the best weapons known to gaming-kind, stealthily moving through trenches and battling it out on dark and shady-looking maps.
The multiplayer servers are now sadly offline, but players can still enjoy the epic story mode in this game.
Resistance: Retribution was one of the first titles that I used to connect my PSP up to my PS3 too! With Resistance 2 in the disc tray, gamers could fire up Retribution and play it using the PS3 controller. The DualShock rumble worked perfectly too!
There was also a feature where you could ‘infect your PSP’ and get a brand new storyline to play through. It’s hidden features like this that make Resistance: Retribution one of the best PSP games and a must-have title in your collection.
18. Monster Hunter Freedom (2006)
After a long day at the office or when things are getting you down, sometimes all you want to do is to slay scores of monsters in an open world game where ‘kill or be killed’ is the only rule that matters. There doesn’t need to be a reason as to why it’s happening, it just is.
Life might not be as safe when you’re constantly worrying about being somethings next meal, but it sure does simplify things a heck of a lot!
Don’t think for a second that Monster Hunter Freedom certainly is a game that you can take lightly, however. This is a game where you have to be present and alert at all times, a title where you WILL die a lot and have to come back to the same point and repeat the process all over again.
It requires more patience than a Christmas shopper in a Best Buy queue and the planning that you need to put into taking out some of the bigger foes is tantamount to military strategy.
That being said, the feeling that you get when you finally bring down the big monsters and stand victorious is probably up there with winning an Olympic medal.
Add that to a stunning open world map and flowing gameplay, and you’ve got yourself an instant classic.
17. Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004)
Pirates rule, which is why Sid Meier’s Pirates! takes the 17th spot in our list!
I watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie 7 times when it came out. I guess that’s why I like this game so much along with Muppets Treasure Island and anything else swashbuckling-related.
The PSP game is a bit of an amalgamation between the PC and Xbox versions of the game, with obvious graphical modifications to make the game look great on the handhelds wider screen.
Hunting for treasure plays a huge part in the PSP port, with bonus levels being added to back it up. Avoid dangers and search for where ‘X’ marks the spot.
If you remember playing games like Thief, then you’ll need to employ some of those sneaking tactics to make it into populated areas too. It’s a fun game with all the rum-swigging Pirate antics that you wish were allowed in normal society!
16. Jeanne d’Arc (2006)
I’ve always thought of Jeanne d’Arc as being a bit of a cross between Final Fantasy and Holy Magic Century, one of the Best N64 Games that proved difficult to purchase over here in the United Kingdom.
This game takes a different spin on ‘Joan Of Arc’s’ life, turning what we may know from history on its head and replacing it instead with monsters, ghouls, and turn-based role-play action of the finest calibre.
As the player, you are tasked with moving Jeanne and her team through a very different looking France as she battles demon soldiers that are fighting on the side of the British empire.
Turns out the Brits made a deal with the leader of the demon army to get some evil soldiers on their team to give them a leg up in the war (I wouldn’t put it past Downing Street).
Wielding a sacred armlet that grants her special powers, Jeanne must push back the forces of evil in a turn-based RPG that has surprises hidden around every corner.
The gameplay is incredibly unique and the battles are very well thought out. WARNING – this game has a habit of making hours fly by, so take a couple of days off to test it out.
15. Persona 3 (2010)
Persona 3 almost topped our list of the Best PSP RPGs for portable fantasy gaming. It has one of the greatest plotlines of any handheld game and makes all of the after school clubs you went to as a kid seem boring beyond belief!
This game sees players taking part in an after-school organisation named the ‘Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad’. You must unlock the mysteries of the Dark Hour, a period between the end of one day and the beginning of the next where one can reach a world filled with evil monsters
That makes karate club look a bet wet in comparison, doesn’t it!
This game is an absolute belter from beginning to end and is and one of my favourite RPG titles for the console.
If you like mysterious, magical games such as Final Fantasy, then you’ll love Persona 3. The combat and social elements of the game are all well thought out and impeccably displayed, as are the game’s levels.
The PSP also lets you fight as a male or female protagonist which is a nice touch. Still, it’s down to your skills as a player and not your character’s gender to make those friendships and relationships that will ‘up’ your skills when fight time comes around!
14. Gran Turismo (2009)
Throwing bananas and blasting drivers with shells isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Sometimes you just need to put the pedal to the metal and burn some rubber around a track with other hardcore drivers, and that’s where Gran Turismo comes in.
I’m not gonna lie; GT is a gaming institution. I’ve spent so many hours flying around these tracks that I could probably do them in my sleep (I’d still be just as bad though!).
The PSP graphics are pretty nice to look at too, and all of the map and speed info is perfectly positioned so it doesn’t impede your view of the road ahead.
If you’re a driver that likes a lot of choices when you step into your garage, then you’ll be very happy with the 800 cars that you can choose from in Gran Turismo PSP.
If you take each car around one of the 35 tracks that are on offer you’ll have 28’000 different racing experiences – if that’s not value for money, then I don’t know what is.
Add customisation, multiplayer modes, and super-slick graphics and gameplay that should belong to a much bigger console, and you’ve suddenly got one of the best PSP games of all time in your hands.!
13. Patapon 3 (2011)
I’m going to be honest with you; I still don’t really know what’s going on Patapon 3. I love this game in the way that I loved Pikmin and Little Big Planet; it’s full of weird and wonderful little people (or Patapons for any hardcore fans out there) that have a tendency to get on my nerves, but that’s what makes the game so addictive and keeps me thinking about it for hours after I’ve put the console down.
This game starts where the last title left off, giving you a chance to cross the Rainbow Bridge and discover the secrets and hidden perils of a brand new land.
Can you remember Donkey Konga for the GameCube? Patapon 3 is a little like that, with the gameplay of Lemmings and the graphics of Viewtiful Joe.
The Patapons march in time to the drum beats that you play out by pressing the PSP face buttons, all the while moving towards battles with the seven evil arch-fiends in a 2D world filled with exciting obstacles and rich scenery that you might not expect from a side-scrolling game.
This Patapon title is definitely less confusing compared to some of its predecessors and mega fun once you get into the swing of things. The multiplayer is a nice addition too and great fun when you’re having a coffee break and trying to forget about the deadline for your best PSP games article…I better get moving!
12. Daxter (2006)
You can’t have a list of the best PSP games without including a member of the best PlayStation duo of all time; Daxter.
Every console has one; Banjo & Kazooie, Sonic & Tails, Yooka & Laylee, and of course, Jak & Daxter. If you’re a fan of the previous Jak & Daxter games, then this title is a must-have for your collection and one that you can’t live another second without!
Some of what follows might be a little confusing if you’ve never stepped into their world before, which means you should probably go back and rethink your life and drag out your PlayStation immediately!
This time Daxter is going solo and working his way through the game as a bug exterminator while searching for his buddy, Jak.
The game also features ‘Gex – Enter The Gecko’ like scenes and levels where you step into a world inspired by a movie.
Enter The Matrix, Fellowship Of The Ring, and Raiders Of The Lost Ark all feature as unlockable levels where Daxter can show off his Hollywood skills before going on to defeat Kaedon and the Krimson Guard.
It’s a great game for players who like a good story to follow and a title that more than deserves to be in our list of the best PSP games of all time.
11. Loco Roco 2 (2008)
In at Number 11 on our list of the best PSP games is Loco Roco 2, a sequel to the original Loco Roco platform game that came out in 2006.
Now, some of you will undoubtedly be thinking that this game is a little high up in the rankings, but it’s one of those games like Pikmin that people of all ages and abilities can play.
And it’s one of those titles where it doesn’t matter how long you play for or whether your battery dies halfway through. It’s just fun to play!
Loco Roco 2 sees gamers once again taking control of a colourful planet filled with critters. You can use certain buttons to turn the planet and others to organise the Loco Roco as they move through the different areas.
Some of the world backgrounds will be familiar to players who enjoyed the first game, though there are lots of new abilities and characters in this popular sequel.
The Loco Roco can now swim underwater and squeeze through tiny crevices, along with lots of other exciting skills that you can uncover as the game goes along. Expect the same madness and vibrant adventures, with characters that you won’t soon forget in a hurry!
10. Valkyria Chronicles II (2010)
Sega rarely disappoints when it comes to games, and Valkyria Chronicles II is no exception. Gamers everywhere felt a sense of panic when the PS3 sequel was announced for the PSP, but they needn’t have worried.
This game stays true to the series and carries on from where Valkyria Chronicles left off perfectly. Set in 1939 E.C and two years after the second European War, this title revolves around a group of cadets from a military academy and their mission to prevent a bunch of rebels from carrying out a terrible ethnic cleansing plot.
V.C II is a little like the love child of Time Crisis and Final Fantasy combined. Shooting alone won’t get you to the end of the level; it takes cunning and planning to get through each of the levels unscathed.
All five classes and the original BLiTZ combat system feature from the original game, as well as new never-before-seen classes and abilities that you can discover as you progress through the game.
If you like the sound of a turn-based shoot-em-up that requires teamwork and a mind for strategy, then give Valkyria Chronicles II a bash!
9. Final Fantasy 7 – Crisis Core (2007)
I’ve mentioned it enough times already through this best PSP games article, so it’s about time that we spoke about Final Fantasy in greater detail.
Yes, Final Fantasy 7 – Crisis Core for the PSP is one of the greatest titles that we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing, and having such a well-known name and the accompanying rich and exciting fantasy realm that goes with it in the palm of your hands is something else entirely!
Crisis Core married role-playing features that we know and love from previous FF titles with real-time combat in open-world areas, usually kicking monster butt and generally being a boss with big weapons and magical abilities. What’s not to love.
Join SOLDIER’s very own Zack Fair as he makes his way through the Final Fantasy universe in search of fellow missing SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos while helping the Shinra war effort.
It’s a lot for one guy to take on, but you can gain help from other characters throughout the game and obtain Materia to upgrade abilities as you progress.
This game is set seven years before FF7 and ends just before the start of said game. It sold well over 3 million copies and has secured itself as one of the best PSP games of all time. I can’t describe how amazing this title is; just buy a copy, because you have to play it for yourself to believe it!
8. Grand Theft Auto – Vice City Stories (2006)
What is better than stealing cars, shooting bad guys, and generally being a bad-ass gangster while sitting on your sofa at home?
Doing all of the above on a bus, in the park, or on a plane; that’s what! Grand Theft Auto – Vice City Stories takes all of the best bits that we love from the console classic version and enhances them in a way that just shouldn’t be physically possible for such a small and technologically limited console like the PSP.
That’s not me being unkind; this console shouldn’t be able to do some of the things that it does, and one of them is to make games like Vice City Stories look so damn good and have so many smooth and well mapped out features.
Playing this game is an absolute joy, and I’m very pleased that the Retro Dodo team all agreed on its inclusion in our best PSP games list.
Vice City Stories is the tenth game in the GTA series and one of the last to use famous voices for its main characters.
This prequel to Vice City sees Gary Busey, Luis Guzmán, Philip Michael Thomas, and Danny Trejo reprise their roles from previous games for the very last time, making it a must-have for any nostalgic gamers who hold onto the past with a vice-like grip (see what I did there?).
Vice City Stories really shows what the PSP is capable of and is a feat of games engineering for this tiny portable console.
7. Syphon Filter – Logan’s Shadow (2007)
Up next in our list of the best PSP games is none other than Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow. This is the last title in the Syphon Filter series, and it both plays and looks like a home console title.
Sony has brought a lot of stealth-shooters to its various consoles over the years, and Syphon Filter was always one of my favourites. Enemies react realistically to gunfire too, providing users with a much more immersive adventure.
Players control Gabe Logan as they work their way through this third-person title. With new game mechanics such as improved strafing and blind firing around corners, it’s certainly one of the most advanced Syphon Filter games and one to end the series on a high!
If you’re a fan of Call of Duty or Splinter Cell, then Logan’s Shadow is definitely the game for you. Critics loved it back in the day, and we’re confident that you’ll find it hard to put down from the moment that you switch it on!
6. Secret Agent Clank (2008)
James Bond meets inspector gadget in the next title on our list of the best PSP games, and it’s another game that features a member of a famous duo going solo! If you’re into games like Banjo Kazooie and, of course, Ratchet and Clank, then you’ll be right at home with Secret Agent Clank.
This game combines all of the features and gameplay that you loved from the R&C universe. It might be a spin-off, but it’s jam-packed full of familiar faces that you will encounter as the game goes on.
Whereas before when Ratchet was the main playable character and Clank was used to solve puzzles, our robotic secret agent friend now has the limelight and can be moved freely in an adventure of his own.
His tuxedo has a number of secret gadgets (just like our very own Mr Bond), that Clank can use on his quest, and rhythmic sections where the player has to press a series of buttons to sneak past enemies will test even the most advanced gamers skills.
You can also play as Ratchet and Captain Qwark, and the Gadgebots also make an appearance – looks like the whole gang is back together!
5. Castlevania – The Dracula X Chronicles (2007)
I was hooked on Castlevania when I bought it for my classic GameBoy, but having a colour version with kick-ass monsters and far richer environments to wander through trumps my old two-tone version every time!
Castlevania is one of those gaming titles that have and always will withstand the test of time, and Castlevania – The Dracula X Chronicles provides gamers with a solid adventure title in a world where nothing is as it seems.
The Dracula X Chronicles is a 2.5D remake of the classic title ‘Rondo of Blood’, where the player moves the one-and-only Richter Belmont through dungeons and grimy castle scenes in search of his beloved Annette.
Extra games can be unlocked as you progress through the story, but will you succeed in fulfiling the job that the Belmont Clan have set out to accomplish – killing the eternally powerful Dracula, who has a habit of resurrecting every time there’s a new Castlevania game.
It’s a gripping title from start to finish and one that definitely needs to be on every list of the best PSP games.
4. Kingdom Hearts – Birth By Sleep (2010)
Any game that features manga-style fighting characters and Mickey Mouse is going to rank highly because of its sheer absurdity, which is why Kingdom Hearts – Birth By Sleep takes the Number 4 spot!
This action RPG differs from other games of the same ilk due to its hack and slash qualities, making it a great title if you just want to let off a little bit of steam at the end of the day (or when you’re still trying to pretend that best PSP games deadline doesn’t exist – how am I supposed to get anything done if I keep playing all of these games!).
This game has so many Disney references and locations inside it that you might be forgiven for thinking that you were playing Castle Of Illusion (one of our best SEGA Game Gear games of all time!), and is a great title for anyone who might be new to gaming or a general RPG all-rounder.
Mickey stars as the ruler of Disney castle and a Keyblade apprentice to the sorcerer Yen Sid.
Donald and Goofy can be found in this game too, but the main stars are the other three people on the game case above; Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.
The story is far too complicated for me to explain in just a short paragraph, but you can expect a mysterious and colourful world made up from your favourite Disney locations such as the 100 Acre Wood, Neverland, and the Mysterious Tower from Fantasia (that place gave me nightmares).
Honestly, if you thought the concept of Patapon 3 was nuts, then give Kingdom Hearts a go. It’s so bizarre, but it works perfectly!
3. Tekken 6 (2009)
Every console needs a fighting franchise, but none will ever be as gnarly or as famous as Tekken.
Bigger stages with hidden areas that you can carry on fighting in are a new feature to Tekken 6, as well as customisable characters and the exciting new Rage system which causes more damage per hit. Just when you thought Tekken couldn’t get any better eh!
All of your favourite characters make a return for Tekken 6, including Yoshimitsu, Bryan Fury, Nina Williams and Raven.
Tekken will always be one of the best PSP games for its playability and the fact that it’s so easy to pick up and play.
Yes, it helps if you know how to do some of the special moves, but I’ve won plenty of battles by mashing any button insight while screaming a victory chant and chewing a sandwich all at the same time. If you’re gonna have a fighting game on a portable console, then make sure its Tekken.
2. Metal Gear Solid – Peace Walker (2010)
The last two titles on our list of the best PSP games were tough to place, but we had to make a well-rounded decision, and Metal Gear Solid – Peace Walker came in a very respectable second.
Every console has it’s key players; Link for Nintendo, Sonic for Sega, and in my opinion, Solid Snake and his papa Big Boss have always been the PlayStation’s signature characters.
Sure, Spyro and Crash Bandicoot made their mark, but did they tie a band around their heads and snoop around shooting bad guys like a super smooth mo-fo’s? No, they did not.
This action-adventure stealth shooter grips you from the very first cut scene and features many of the same features that made MGS4 such an incredible game.
Search held up soldiers, ‘shoot over shoulder’ camera view, and the ‘crouch walk’ all make a comeback, along with new features and customisable uniforms such as ‘Jungle Fatigue’ and ‘Sneaking Suit’.
If you ever played Mission Impossible on the N64 but wished it could be more like Goldeneye, then you’ll be all over Peace Walker like a Chuck Norris style rash. The only question is whether you’ll ever be able to put it down once you start playing!
1. God Of War – Ghost Of Sparta (2010)
It was a tough call, but the number one spot on our list of the best PSP games in our collections and indeed of all time goes to God Of War – Ghost Of Sparta.
This game has some of the best post-apocalyptic feels of any game we’ve ever played on a handheld and perfectly incorporates elements of Greek mythology into the mix.
Control Kratos and the Blades of Athena in this combo combat action-adventure game, battling minotaurs, gorgons, harpies and more. I’ve got chills just thinking about it!
This hack and slash title also features some pretty tricky puzzles that you need to overcome if you are to progress through the levels.
The bosses are big, the worlds are fantastic, and the gameplay is second to none. Will you unlock the Arms of Sparta and Thera’s Bane, or will the God Of Death overcome Kratos and stop him in his quest?
If you like your history with a mix of blood-thirsty battles and button-mashing fun, then Ghost Of Sparta should be in your PSP Disc Arsenal!
If you can’t get hold of a PSP, why not check out the Retro CM3, a handheld that can play PSP, PS1 games and even N64 games on the go!
How Many PSP Models Were Released?
In total there were four different PSP models. The first being the PSP 1000, the second being the PSP 2000, the third being… yep you guessed it the PSP 3000, and finally the PSP Go.
How Much Is A PSP?
Originally, when the PSP was released in March 2005, the console’s retail price was $249. Nowadays, you can pick one up for around $40 unboxed. But it all depends on the condition. If it’s boxed and sealed, expect to pay upwards of $500.
Which PSP is best for gaming?
Technically the best PSP for gaming would be the PS Vita, Sony’s flagship handheld device with impressive tech specs, a huge library and a gorgeous high resolution screen.
What would make your list of the best PSP games of all time? Did we miss out your favourite or include a rotten egg? Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram!
Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
