Before the PSP, handheld gaming was generally seen as a simpler, more casual experience. But when Sony tiger298 introduced its powerful portable console, it redefined what players could expect on the go. PSP games brought depth, complexity, and graphical fidelity previously thought impossible for handhelds, attracting hardcore gamers who had once dismissed portable gaming as secondary.

Games like Monster Hunter Freedom Unite became a cultural phenomenon in certain parts of the world, especially Japan. These titles required time investment, skill, and strategic planning—traits more commonly associated with console games. Players would gather in cafés or at school to team up and take down massive beasts, proving that the PSP wasn’t just a personal device; it was a social platform as well.

Additionally, the library of PSP games wasn’t shy about offering console-like features. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker wasn’t just a spin-off; it was an essential part of the Metal Gear canon and featured extensive missions, base-building mechanics, and online co-op. Likewise, racing titles like Wipeout Pure and Gran Turismo PSP delivered authentic driving experiences with visuals that pushed the limits of the hardware.

What made these PSP games stand out was their ambition. Developers didn’t see the PSP as a handheld—many treated it like a console that just happened to be portable. This mindset led to an impressive library of deep, challenging, and rewarding titles. Today, the PSP is fondly remembered as the system that made handheld gaming “serious,” carving out a unique legacy in the broader PlayStation ecosystem.