If you’re a PlayStation fan, you’ve probably heard of the PSP – Sony’s first handheld console that brought some of the best gaming experiences right into our pockets.
Even though it’s been years since its release, the PSP still holds a special place in the hearts of gamers. Its mix of gaming and multimedia features – it had a great library of games and could also play movies and music – made it super popular. While the Sony PSP is no longer available in the market, the PSP games can also be played using emulators, so check out some PSP emulator games here.
Here are the top 10 PSP games to play in 2024:
1. Lumines: Puzzle Fusion
Lumines: Puzzle Fusion is one of the best PSP games. Made by Q Entertainment in 2004, it’s a fun puzzle game with great music. You match blocks of the same colour while the music changes how the game moves.
The mix of puzzles and music makes it very addictive. It also has different modes, like time challenges and versus play, to keep things exciting. Lumines: Puzzle Fusion remains popular even today because its gameplay feels timeless. It is both for beginners as well as seasoned players. If you love puzzle games, this one is a must-play and one of the all-time greats in the PSP industry.
2. Daxter
If you are looking for a fun and simple game that doesn’t really need a lot of gaming acumen, this one is for you. Daxter is a light hearted action game released in 2006. At the heart of the game is Daxter, a small, funny character from the Jak and Daxter series.
The game follows Daxter as he tries to save his friend Jak while navigating several enemies and puzzles along the way. The game has easy controls, colourful graphics, and lots of humour, making it a great choice for both kids and adults. If you like action and adventure, Daxter is a great pick for the PSP. Also if you are a beginner, this one is definitely for you.
3. Monster Hunter Freedom
Monster Hunter Freedom was released in 2005. In this game, players have to hunt giant monsters after gathering materials to create weapons and armour. Players can team up with friends to take down powerful creatures. With lots of quests and challenges, Monster Hunter Freedom offers hours of fun for players who enjoy action and adventure.
The multiplayer adds another layer of fun, letting friends team up and take on tough challenges together. Even today, it’s still considered one of the best PSP games for fans of action and adventure. Although it is based on Monster Hunter G, the Freedom does feel quite different in many ways.
4. Power Stone Collection
Power Stone Collection is another fun fighting game for the PSP, released in 2006. It features a variety of colourful characters, each with unique moves and abilities. Players battle it out in exciting 3D arenas, using power-ups and objects in the environment to gain an edge.
The game includes two classic Power Stone games from the Dreamcast, offering lots of action and replay value. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends in multiplayer mode, Power Stone Collection is a great choice for anyone who loves fighting games. The game is also set to be ported to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Windows in 2025 as part of Capcom Fighting Collection 2.
5. Gran Turismo PSP
Gran Turismo PSP is a racing game released in 2009. It brings the popular Gran Turismo series to handheld devices. The game features smooth controls, stunning visuals for a PSP game, and a great selection of vehicles from real-life manufacturers.
Players can race on different tracks, improve their cars, and compete in challenging events. With tons of cars and modes to explore, Gran Turismo PSP is perfect for fans of racing games. The thrill of racing on real-world tracks makes this game a timeless classic. By September 2017, Gran Turismo had sold 4.67 million copies, making it one of the top-selling PSP games. On June 1, 2010, it was re-released as part of Sony’s Greatest Hits collection of affordable video games.
6. Ape Escape: On the Loose
Ape Escape: On the Loose is an action-adventure game for the PSP, released in 2005. In this game, players control a young boy named Spike, who must catch escaped monkeys that are causing chaos. Armed with a special net and other gadgets, Spike must chase down the monkeys across various fun and challenging levels. Even today, it is a beloved choice for PSP players looking for a light-hearted and engaging adventure. It is a great game to beat your boredom.
7. Every Extend Extra
Every Extend Extra is a unique and fun puzzle game for the PSP, released in 2006. In this game, players control a ship that explodes on impact with enemies. The goal is to create chain reactions by causing explosions that destroy more enemies and earning points by doing that. The game has simple controls but requires quick thinking and strategy. Due to the popularity of the game, the developer, Q Entertainment, released a sequel on the Xbox 360 in 2007, titled Every Extend Extra Extreme.
8. Secret Agent Clank
Secret Agent Clank is an action game for the PSP which was released in the year 2008. At the centre of the game is Clank, the robot from the Ratchet & Clank series. Clank uses cool gadgets and stealth skills to complete missions and solve mysteries. The game has a mix of sneaky gameplay, fun combat, and puzzles. Players also get to play as Ratchet in some parts. The game’s spy theme, Clank’s role as a secret agent, and the use of high-tech gadgets all pay homage to the classic James Bond style. Secret Agent Clank was re-released in September 2024 for the PlayStation 4 and 5.
9. Jeanne d’Arc
Jeanne d’Arc is a tactical role-playing game. It was released in 2006. The game is loosely based on the story of Joan of Arc but adds a fantasy twist. Players control Jeanne and her allies as they fight to save France from an invading army and demonic forces. The gameplay involves turn-based battles where strategy is key. Jeanne d’Arc was the first tactical role-playing game created by developer Level-5 and their first project for the PSP. On July 16, 2024, it was re-released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 and is considered one of the best PSP video games.
10. Half-Minute Hero
Half-Minute Hero is a unique and fast-paced RPG for the PSP, released in 2009. In this game, players have just 30 seconds to save the world from evil forces. The game combines RPG elements with quick decision-making, where you level up, fight enemies, and complete quests—all within half a minute. It has different modes with fun twists, including action, strategy, and shooting. A sequel called Yūsha 30 Second was released for the PSP in Japan on August 4, 2011. Later, it was brought to Windows by Marvelous USA and launched on Steam on April 4, 2014, under the name Half-Minute Hero: The Second Coming.
FAQs on PSP games
Which are some of the best PSP games?
Lumines: Puzzle Fusion, Daxter, Monster Hunter Freedom, Power Stone Collection, Gran Turismo PSP, Ape Escape: On the Loose, Every Extend Extra, Secret Agent Clank, Jeanne d’Arc and Half-Minute Hero are some of the best PSP games to play in 2024.
When did the PSP come into existence?
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was officially released by Sony Computer Entertainment on December 12, 2004 in Japan. It later launched in North America on March 24, 2005, and in Europe on September 1, 2005. It was Sony’s first handheld gaming console, designed to compete with Nintendo’s Game Boy and DS series. However, the PSP was discontinued in the market in the year 2022.
