Released in 2004, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony’s bold attempt to bring harum 4d console-quality gaming to a portable device. The handheld console was revolutionary at the time, offering gamers access to high-quality graphics, expansive game worlds, and a library of games that spanned across every major genre. Though the PSP was eventually succeeded by the PlayStation Vita, it remains one of the most beloved handheld consoles of all time, and its library is filled with timeless classics. Here’s a look back at some of the PSP’s best games that defined the device and made it a staple of portable gaming.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is one of the most notable PSP titles, offering a fresh perspective on the Grand Theft Auto series with an overhead, isometric viewpoint. Unlike its console counterparts, this game leaned into strategic and tactical gameplay, making it more of a puzzle-solving action game than a simple open-world crime simulator. Players could manage drug deals, complete missions, and navigate a criminal underworld, all while experiencing the series’ signature dark humor and satire. The game’s addictive nature and compelling storyline made it a standout in the PSP library.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became an instant classic for fans of cooperative gameplay and action RPGs. In this game, players take on the role of a monster hunter tasked with tracking down massive beasts and slaying them for valuable resources. The game was praised for its deep combat mechanics, extensive weapon crafting system, and robust multiplayer mode, which allowed players to team up with friends to take down the toughest creatures in the game. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite introduced a generation of players to the world of Monster Hunter, a franchise that would go on to become a global phenomenon.

Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is another PSP gem, bringing the beloved Castlevania series to the handheld for the first time. The game is a reimagining of Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, with enhanced visuals, new levels, and additional gameplay modes. The fast-paced, side-scrolling action, combined with atmospheric environments and a haunting soundtrack, made Dracula X Chronicles one of the most memorable PSP titles for fans of classic platformers.