The launch of the PSP in 2004 marked a major moment for Sony and the world of handheld gaming. Until then, cendanabet the domain had largely been dominated by simpler, pixel-based experiences. But Sony envisioned something greater—a device that could deliver full-scale PlayStation games in a format you could carry in your pocket. It wasn’t just an accessory to the PS2 or PS3—it was a platform that could stand proudly beside them.

Some of the best games ever created for handheld systems originated during the PSP era. Titles like Daxter, Resistance: Retribution, and Killzone: Liberation took well-loved franchises and reimagined them for smaller screens without losing the complexity or polish fans had come to expect from PlayStation games. In many ways, the PSP offered a canvas for developers to get creative, telling deeper stories and experimenting with gameplay in ways they couldn’t always risk on major console releases.

The PSP library also highlighted a broader evolution of gaming habits. As more players embraced the idea of gaming on the go, the demand for titles with serious depth—games that didn’t feel “less than”—grew. Sony delivered, offering cinematic storytelling, multiplayer options, and even online connectivity through Wi-Fi, which was unheard of for a handheld at the time. These innovations helped the PSP stand out in a crowded market and further solidified Sony’s place as a leader in quality gaming experiences.

In hindsight, the PSP wasn’t just a product of its time—it was ahead of it. It anticipated the rise of mobile and cloud gaming, where quality and accessibility merge. Today, when people list the best games ever released under the PlayStation banner, many PSP titles continue to make the cut. They didn’t just bring console-quality to the handheld space—they transformed it.