Best PSP Games Of All Time Ranked In 2024

Best PSP Games Of All Time Ranked In 2024 – The PlayStation Portable was Sony’s first leap into a handheld market heavily dominated by Nintendo since the launch of the Gameboy in 1989. The PSP launched in 2004 and enjoyed a healthy lifespan of ten years before being discontinued in 2014, selling between 80-82 million units. Over the years, Sony’s first party studios and several third party publishers released a treasure trove of exclusives and ported franchises to the system. Sadly, Sony decided to close the PSP digital storefront on July 2, 2021.

This compiled list of titles cross references PSP games that not only sold well but received the highest average review scores from both critics and fans alike. We’re also taking into account whether or not the game was exclusive to the PSP, or at least the best version available if multiplatform. As for how the titles are ranked, that came down to personal opinion.

If we missed a title that would’ve made your top list, let us know in the comments section below or pop-over to our forums. Be sure and stay tuned as we’ll be posting a follow up feature highlighting some of the best hidden gems on the PSP and best homebrews. For further reading, you might want to take a look at our best PS3 games of all time and best PS Vita games of all time features too. Additionally, you could also take a look at our constantly updated PSVR 2 feature which details everything we know about the next generation of PlayStation VR. Finally, our PS5 complete guide tells you everything you need to know about PlayStation 5.

Best PSP Games Of All Time Ranked In 2024

Best PSP Games Of All Time Ranked:

16. Resistance: Retribution

Resistance: Retribution takes place between Fall of Man and Resistance 2, following British Royal Marine Lieutenant James Grayson on a mission to destroy the Chimera forces in Western Europe. The game is developed by Bend Studio, now known for titles like Uncharted: Golden Abyss on the PS Vita and Days Gone on the PS4. Single-player campaign aside, the game featured eight player online modes including; Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Containment, Capture the Flag and Assimilation.

Resistance: Retribution makes the list for being one of the best FPS exclusives on the PSP, featuring excellent graphics and ground-breaking multiplayer at the time for the handheld.

15. Daxter

Daxter is a spin-off from the popular Jak & Daxter series, following the comical ottsel (half otter, half weasel) on his own adventure looking for his trusty sidekick Jak. The game was developed by Ready At Dawn, now known for creating games like God of War: Ghost of Sparta for PSP and The Order: 1886 for PS4.

The story in Daxter takes place within the two year gap in Jak & Daxter 2, where Jak is captured and Daxter rescues him two years later. With no leads on where Jak might be held, Daxter assumes the role of a bug exterminator. You take up jobs in clearing out hotels, bars, and construction sites, using a fly swatter and bug sprays to kill bugs. The city serves as a main hub that connects all these locales together and Daxter uses various vehicles to travel the map.

By collecting Precursor Orbs, Daxter can enter dream sequences that allow you to unlock new attack abilities, health, and gold. These dream sequences allow you to playthrough various mini-games inspired by popular movies, like; Raiders of the Lost Ark, Braveheart and the Matrix.

Daxter earns a spot on this list for it’s solid gameplay, gorgeous graphics, tight controls, and entertaining storyline.

14. Patapon 3

Patapon 3 is the third and final entry in the popular Patapon franchise, developed by Pyramid & Sony Japan Studio. It picks up right where the previous game ended, taking on the Seven Evil Archfiends after the Patapons unleashed them from a mysterious box.

This is a real-time rhythm-based action/adventure game that improves upon the series with new gameplay features, catchy tunes and vividly unique art style. The game allows you to play through the campaign with friends, as well as offers online multiplayer with up to eight players.

Patapon 3 makes the list as some would argue it’s the best in the series. We’re basically just making the third entry as a placeholder for any Patapon title, as they are all worthy of being in your collection.

13. SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo 2

SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fireteam Bravo 2 is another title where you can debate whether it’s predecessor was the better game, but we chose Fireteam Bravo 2 due to it’s refined gameplay, real-time voice chat, and enhanced online multiplayer content.

In the single-player campaign, you will undertake 14 missions, complete with side missions that include search and destroy, intel reconnaissance, rescuing VIPs, and assassinating military officials. The multiplayer modes feature eight new maps, including four of the original Fireteam Bravo maps, and three new game types; Tug of War, Capture the Flag and Target.

Fireteam Bravo 2 makes the list for being one of the best shooters available on the PSP.

12. Burnout Legends

Burnout Legends is a mix & mash port featuring maps, cars and gameplay modes from the first three Burnout titles. If you enjoy arcade racers, then Burnout Legends should definitely be in your PSP game collection. Fast paced racing with visually stunning crash sequences.

The game has a total of 95 cars to unlock and nine modes to use them in; including Eliminator, Face-Off, Road Rage, Pursuit, Crash, and more. You can take things online via AdHoc as well, and compete in Challenge Race, Douple Impact, and Party Crash modes.

Burnout Legends takes #12 on the list as one of the best arcade racers available on the PSP.

11. Wipeout Pure

Did we just say Burnout Legends is one of the best arcade racers on the PSP? Oops, our bad. When it comes to best arcade racer, Wipeout Pure takes the cake. Set in the year 2197, this futuristic anti-gravity racing game developed by Studio Liverpool has players speeding across 16 unique tracks (32 total with DLC) with 8 different team ships (12 with DLC).

Not only are the graphics top-notch, but the game showcases a bass bumping soundtrack with artists like Tiesto, Aphex Twin, Drumattic Twins, Paul Hartnoll and more.

If you’re a fan of racing titles, then be sure to add Wipeout Pure to your collection.

10. LocoRoco 2

LocoRoco 2 is a platform players playground, using unique gameplay mechanics to shift the world and mold your LocoRocos to manoeuvre obstacles and traverse the level to the goal. As a follow up to the cult classic LocoRoco, the sequel includes many new features like the ability to swim through water and new mini-games like Loco Stamp. The storyline follows the LocoRoco on a mission to defeat the Moja Corps, who have crash landed on the planet, using a fearsome song that sucks the lifeforce out of living things.

LocoRoco 2 is an excellent game for casual and hardcore players alike. Hours of entertainment that stems from the cutesy graphics, physics based gameplay mechanics, and whimsical music.

9. Dissidia Final Fantasy

If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy games, then Dissidia Final Fantasy is an excellent title to add to your collection. The game features protagonists and villains from across the first ten Final Fantasy titles, including Cecil Harvey and Golbez from FFIV, Cloud and Sephiroth from FFVII, Squall Leonhart and Ultimecia from FFVIII and Tidus and Jecht from FFX.

Dissidia is a fighting game at its core, with some action RPG elements, where players duel in open 3D environments. The storyline is a bit absurd, where two gods, Cosmos and Chaos, summon their fighters to duke it out in a campaign for control of the world, but we’ll let it slide. It’s just awesome to see our favorite Final Fantasy characters all in one game.

Despite some minor camera issues, the game manages to merge two completely different genres together splendidly. Dissidia Final Fantasy shines in the visuals department and provides a deeply rewarding experience that has tons of replay value.

8. Gran Turismo

Developed by the grandmasters themselves, Polyphony Digital brought one of the most renowned racing franchises to the PSP. Simply titled Gran Turismo, this PSP version of the franchise included race tracks, cars, and gameplay modes from the first five main entries of the series. Gran Turismo features 833 vehicles, 45 tracks (including layout variations like reverse), and a physics engine is based on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. This game is the epitome of racing titles on the PSP.

Gran Turismo made the list because it’s not only one of the best simulation racing games for the system, but it was also one of the highest selling titles for the PSP, selling a whopping 4.67 million units.

7. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is a noteworthy port of Persona 3 FES developed by Atlus for the PSP. In this handheld edition, players are able to choose the gender of the protagonist and play as a male or female, which can alter some aspects of the story. In addition, composer Shoji Meguro created 10 new musical tracks for Persona 3 Portable, with most of them being done for the female playthrough. Finally, there are two new difficulty levels, Beginner and Maniac, that have been added to the PSP version.

However, due to the limited storage space of the UMD, Persona 3 Portable doesn’t include 3D environments, character models, or any of the anime cutscenes. Despite the limitations though, the game’s visual art style still holds up on the PSP. While mostly being a port of Persona 3, the handheld version draws elements from Persona 4 in it’s revised battle system. All of which works great and runs smoothly. Persona 4 characters like Yukiko Amagi also make cameo appearances in the game.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable is a must own for any Persona fan, or fans of JRPGs in general.

6. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is an enhanced port of the classic PlayStation tactical RPG. The story takes shape when the King of the land dies and the two successors are too young to claim the crown. The Dukes end up fighting over the land and crown and the protagonist gets caught up in the struggle. Much of the gameplay is the same as the original, with the exception of some new cutscenes, character designs, multiplayer, and other features.

The game uses job systems for character development with 33 original jobs to choose from such as Knight, Archer, White Mage (Priest in US version), and Cleric. The War of the Lions edition adds four new job types including; Dark Knight, Onion Knight, Game Hunter and Sky Pirate. The game also featured permadeath, so if a character dies in battle, they are gone forever.

For multiplayer, you can choose between Melee and Rendezvous modes using ad hoc. Melee pits two players against each other with options for special rules for the map. Rendezvous allows two players to play cooperatively in completing the mission objective and retain all JP, job levels, and items obtained during their battle.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions makes the list as easily one of the best strategy games for the PSP.

5. Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep

Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep brings the familiar formula to the PSP with a few new additions. Acting as a prequel to the original Kingdom Hearts, a trio of Keyblade apprentices (Terra, Aqua, and Ventus) team up with the usual Disney compatriots to explore new worlds including the Dwarf Woodlands (Snow White & The Seven Dwarves), Enchanted Dominion (Sleeping Beauty), and Neverland (Peter Pan).

Birth By Sleep features a solid battle and progression systems, along with a worthwhile multiplayer component. Everything is beautifully animated and runs fairly smoothly on the PSP. The shear amount of content in the game is also impressive.

Want to complete your Kingdom Hearts collection? Pick up Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep for the PlayStation Portable.

4. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is one of the biggest games in the series, which is an incredible feat for the PSP. Traverse new biodomes with up to three friends, finding collectibles, new weapons and armor sets. The game is remarkably addictive and rewards players for using creative tactics to take down ferocious beasts.

The game is an action RPG that will keep you entertained for hundreds of hours between its 400+ quests and monster hunts. If you need more Monster Hunter in your life, then pick up Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for the PSP.

3. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII

Thanks to the renewed interest in Final Fantasy VII with the release of the Remake series on current and next gen consoles, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is definitely worth revisiting.

Developed by Square Enix, Crisis Core takes place seven years prior to start of Final Fantasy VII. The adventure follows Zak Fair, a SOLDIER working for the Shinra Corporation. He was briefly mentioned in the original FFVII game, but receives a fleshed out storyline in Crisis Core.

As the previous owner of the iconic Buster Sword, the game tells the tale his conflict against the SOLDIER defector, Genesis Rhapsodos (basically a lesser Sephiroth), and the other super-soldiers infused with the Jenova cells.

The game is a turn-based RPG, but thanks to fast turns, it feels like real-time combat. Create a party from an array of characters, level up, equip Materia, perform special moves and use spectacular summons.

Since the new Final Fantasy VII Remake series seems to be incorporating Zak into it’s new timeline, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a must own for PSP. Not only will it give backstory to the original Final Fantasy VII saga, but it will provide additional character details to those who might appear in Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 2.

2. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Developed by Kojima Productions, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker takes place years after the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The game follows Big Boss, as he struggles with his past and walking the fine line between anti-hero and villain. In the end, your mission is basically to prevent nuclear warheads from detonating and the start of World War 3.

The campaign can be done solo or cooperatively via ad hoc Co-Ops. There are a total of 33 Main Ops missions, with an additional 128 Extra Ops missions. Additionally, you can play online in a 6 player competitive mode with options for free-for-all and team deathmatches, base capture (King of the Hill) and quetzal capture (Capture the Flag) missions.

Some may argue that Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops or Metal Gear Acid should’ve made this list, however we chose Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker as the definitive Metal Gear title for the PSP. The game brought everything fans enjoyed from the mainline Metal Gear Solid games and compiled it into one exceptional package.

1. God of War: Chains of Olympus

God of War: Chains of Olympus is the first God of War title developed by Ready At Dawn for the PSP. In 2010, Ready At Dawn developed a follow-up, God of War: Ghost of Sparta for the PSP. The reason it’s not number one on the list is because we feel like Chains of Olympus just had a better story and acts as an origin to our adventures with Kratos. If you enjoyed your play through of Chains of Olympus, then Ghost of Sparta is definitely worth picking up.

As mentioned previously, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place prior to the events of the first game on PS2. The story involves Helios, god of the Sun, whom has gone missing. Morpheus, god of Dreams, takes power during Helios’ absence, putting the other gods into a deep slumber. As a result, your mission is to find Helios and throughout your adventure learn more about Kratos, and his ten year servitude under the gods.

You fight new enemy types and bosses including a Basilisk, Persian King, and gods like Persephone and Atlas. In addition to the Blades of Chaos, Kratos wields the Gauntlet of Zeus as part of his new arsenal.

Overall, God of War: Chains of Olympus is an achievement and testament to what can be done on the PlayStation Portable. Every aspect from visuals and combat to puzzles and storyline come together beautifully to shape a remarkable experience for PSP owners.