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Custom Firmware for the PSP and PS Vita.

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README.md

ARK-4 e/CFW for the PSP and PS Vita.

New, updated, improved and modern Custom Firmware for the PSP and PS Vita ‘s ePSP. Simple to use and full of unique features, ARK CFW aims at keeping the PSP experience fresh. Being a successor to PRO and ME. ARK is now the most feature-complete CFW for the PSP. having all features from classic CFW as well as unique and exclusive new features not found anywhere else.

Table of Contents (Quick Links)

• FEATURES:
• INSTALLATION

• Compiling ARK ( For Developers )
• On PSP

• Online PSP Installer
• Manual installation
• Live CFW
• Permanent CFW via new cIPL
• Permanent CFW via classic cIPL

• Permanent CFW via Infinity
• Full Flash Installation
• Time Machine and Despertar del Cementerio

• Standalone via FastARK
• Standalone via NoPspEmuDrm
• Standalone via ChovySign
• Adrenaline

• Recovery Menu
• Vanilla Mode
• Official Firmware Mode
• Pandora/BaryonSweeper

• Advanced VSH Menu Options
• Installing Plugins
• Configuration and Settings
• Custom Themes
• Other Launchers

• Credits
• Warnings
• Core system heavily updated from traditional CFW with new exclusive features.
• Inferno 2 Driver compatible with all formats ( ISO. CSO. ZSO. JSO. CSOv2 and DAX ).
• Popcorn controller for custom PS1 games. Compatible with PopsLoader V3 and V4i.
• Built-in No-DRM engine Stargate. fixes many anti-CFW games. Compatible with npdrm_free by qwikrazor87.
• Plugin support for PSP games, PS1 games and VSH (XMB), including the ability to enable and disable plugins per-game.
• Region Free playback of UMD Video on all PSP models. Change the region of your UMD drive on-the-fly.
• Compatible with all PSP models on firmwares 6.60 and 6.61.
• Compatible with all PS Vita models on firmware 2.10 up to 3.74. either official firmware or via Adrenaline.
• Compatible with 6.60 Testing Tool Firmware and Testkit Units.
• Compatible with 6.60 Development Tool Firmware and Devkit Units.
• Can be fully installed and booted on memory stick in compatible models via Time Machine.
• Can be used to unbrick any PSP using Despertar del Cementerio in combination with a Pandora or Baryon Sweeper.
• Minimalistic : only 6 files installed on PSP flash, CFW extensions are installed on memory stick.
• Resistant to soft-bricks. easy to recover from bad configurations with a new and improved Recovery app.
• Custom game launcher with built-in game categories, file browser, FTP server and client, modernized look and more.
• Fully configurable via the XMB.
• Compatible with PRO Online and Xlink Kai.
• Compatible with Legacy Homebrew via eLoader and Leda. Compatible with the KXploit format.
• Compatible with cIPL and Infinity 2 bootloaders for permanent CFW.
• Download the precompiled binaries from: https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/releases/latest
• You can follow this video with instructions to install ARK on PSP via Infinity and/or on PS Vita via Adrenaline : https://youtu.be/bE8mw7RRqGo

Compiling ARK ( For Developers )

Build script will allow you to use the correct SDK that ARK was built with.

• Release:./build.sh
• Debug:./build.sh.-debug
• Manually: install the oldest possible SDK (ideally the one used to compile M33), then run make

Use.h or.-help to show all available flags

For an easy deployment of ARK on a PSP connected to the internet, you can follow this video

The instructions are as follows:

• Move or copy ARK_01234 folder into /PSP/SAVEDATA/ folder.
• Move or copy ARK_Loader folder into /PSP/GAME/ folder.
• Launch ARK Loader. It will install ARK modules on PSP Flash and boot the CFW.
• Delete FLASH0.ARK from /PSP/SAVEDATA/ARK_01234 to prevent flashing files every time you reload the CFW.
• Run ARK Loader when you boot up the system after you’ve fully turned off or hard reboot the device to re-enable ARK.

Permanent CFW via new cIPL

• Works on 1K models, 2K models and early 3K models (1g, 2g and 3g).
• Only works on 6.61. Does NOT work with Testing Tool or Development Tool firmwares.
• cIPL will not install if not compatible, so no risk if running it even if you’re unsure what specific model you’re using. if not compatible, use Infinity 2 instead.
• Move or copy ARK_newIPL folder to /PSP/GAME/ and run the program.
• Press the corresponding button in the installation page to install the cIPL patch.
• Warning: unlike classic cIPL, the new method can’t be easily uninstalled.

Permanent CFW via classic cIPL

• Only works on 1K models and early 2K models (those compatible with Pandora).
• Works on 6.60 and 6.61. including Testing Tool firmware. Does NOT work with Development Tool firmware.
• cIPL will not install if not compatible, so no risk if running it even if you’re unsure what specific model you’re using. if not compatible, use Infinity 2 instead.
• Move or copy ARK cIPL folder to /PSP/GAME/ and run the program.
• Press the corresponding button in the installation page to install or remove the cIPL patch.

Permanent CFW via Infinity

• Works on all PSP models on 6.60 or 6.61 firmwares.
• Copy or move the EBOOT.PBP (or EBOOT_GO.PBP renamed to EBOOT.PBP if using a PSP Go) from the Infinity folder found in the ARK download into /PSP/GAME/UPDATE.
• Run the Infinity app using Official Firmware to run the initial installation.
• Run Infinity a second time to configure autoboot by selecting ARK within the Infinity app. Run the ARK CFW again to activate. ARK will now be automatically activated on boot up.
• This allows you to install and use all of ARK’s features from flash0, allowing you to entirely remove the ARK_01234 savedata folder or memory stick.
• Copy ARK_Full_Installer to /PSP/GAME/ and run it from ARK.
• It will install the necessary modules into the console’s flash.
• For recovery, you can press and hold startselect when booting up ARK or a game to temporarily disable settings and plugins.
• Custom Firmware settings and other Custom Firmware files are installed in ms0:/SEPLUGINS/. which is used as the default ARK path when no savedata folder is available.

Time Machine and Despertar del Cementerio

• Time Machine allows to boot the 6.61 firmware and ARK entirely from the Memory Stick.
• Despertar del Cementerio allows to revive a bricked PSP when used in combination with a Pandora or Baryon Sweeper.
• To install DC-ARK you must first format the memory stick leaving enough space for the boot sector. You can use PSP Tool to do this.
• You also need to be running a CFW to install DC-ARK (ARK itself or any other).
• Copy the ARK_DC folder to the /PSP/GAME/ folder and run the installer from the XMB.
• Follow the instructions to install DC-ARK and create a magic memory stick.
• On compatible models, use Advanced VSH Menu to create a Pandora battery.
• Use a Pandora or Baryon Sweeper in combination with your newly created Magic Memory Stick to boot up Despertar del Cementerio.
• From here you can either boot ARK from memory stick, install 6.61 Firmware with ARK on the Nand or install 6.61 Official Firmware.
• Note that installing 6.61 firmware with ARK requires a cIPL-compatible PSP (1K and early 2K).
• Works on Firmware 3.60 up to 3.74, requires Henkaku/h-encore or any native hack.
• Recommended : download a PSP game from PSN (demo of Ape Quest. Locoroco. etc) to have a valid PSP license available during installation.
• Once installed, it will work on Official Firmware as long as the console has a valid PSP license obtained from PSN.
• Download and install latest ArkFast from this link: https://github.com/Yoti/ArkFast-4/releases/latest/.
• Press start button to install the Sasuke Commander minigame with ARK.
• If out of date with latest release, use the updater built into the launcher.
• To use right analog stick (i.e. gta_remastered plugin): https://github.com/rereprep/ArkRightAnalog
• To exit from a game or homebrew back to the custom launcher. press LRDownStart. Works on PSP too.
• Some features are not available in standalone installations, mainly the official Sony XMB and PS1 games.
• If you get a kernel exploit error, simply close the app and open it again.

Standalone via NoPspEmuDrm

• Works on Firmware 3.60 up to 3.74, requires Henkaku/h-encore or any native hack.
• Download and install latest NoPspEmuDrm from here: https://github.com/LiEnby/NoPspEmuDrm/releases
• Download and install latest VitaShell from here: https://github.com/LiEnby/VitaShell/releases
• Copy ARK_01234 folder to ux0:pspemu/PSP/SAVEDATA/.
• Copy K.BIN from PSVita/Standalone/ into ARK_01234.
• Copy NPUZ01234 from PSVita/Standalone/ into ux0:pspemu/PSP/GAME/.
• Open VitaShell and use the Refresh Live Area function for the ARK bubble to appear.
• To use right analog stick (i.e. gta_remastered plugin): https://github.com/rereprep/ArkRightAnalog
• To exit from a game or homebrew back to the custom launcher. press LRDownStart. Works on PSP too.
• Some features are not available in standalone installations, mainly the official Sony XMB and PS1 games.
• If you get a kernel exploit error, simply close the app and open it again.
• Works on Official Firmware 2.10 up to 3.74, doesn’t require Henkaku/h-encore or any native hack.
• NOTE: you might need henkaku/h-encore to facilitate the installation process, but it won’t be needed anymore after installing.
• Requires ChovySign : https://silica.codes/SilicaAndPina/chovy-sign
• Download a legit PSP game from PSN. the free demo of Ape Quest or LocoRoco Midnight Carnival is recommended.
• Follow the instructions from the official ChovySign project to sign ark_loader.iso from the PSVita/Standalone folder.
• This will generate an installable ARK Loader in QCMA’s folder as NPUZ01234 (i.e. /Documents/PS Vita/PGAME/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx/NPUZ01234 ).
• Follow these instructions to install PBOOT.PBP from PSVita/Standalone/NPUZ01234 to the loader generated by ChovySign: https://github.com/TheOfficialFloW/Trinity#installation
• Install the ARK_01234 savedata folder into /Documents/PS Vita/PSAVEDATA/xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx/.
• Copy K.BIN from PSVita/Standalone folder into ARK_01234 savedata folder.
• Transfer the generated ARK Loader and ARK_01234 savedata folders using QCMA.
• To use right analog stick (i.e. gta_remastered plugin): https://github.com/rereprep/ArkRightAnalog
• To exit from a game or homebrew back to the custom launcher. press LRDownStart. Works on PSP too.
• Some features are not available in standalone installations, mainly the official Sony XMB and PS1 games.
• If you get a kernel exploit error, simply close the app and open it again.
• If you are running an old firmware ( 3.60), you will need a specialized K.BIN. either build one yourself or open an Feature Request.
• Works on Firmware 3.60 up to 3.74, requires Henkaku/h-encore and Adrenaline (https://github.com/TheOfficialFloW/Adrenaline).
• Install ARK_01234 folder into /PSP/SAVEDATA/ folder.
• Install ARK_Loader folder into /PSP/GAME/ folder.
• Copy K.BIN from PSVita/Adrenaline folder into ARK_Loader game folder.
• Use Adrenaline Bubbles Manager to create an autoboot bubble for ARK Loader : https://github.com/ONElua/AdrenalineBubbleManager/releases
• Note: this does not permanently modify Adrenaline in any way.

Legacy Game Exploits (PSP Vita)

• Considering the savedata exploit loads H.BIN from the savedata path.
• Copy every file from ARK_01234 except PARAM.SFO. SAVEDATA.BIN and K.BIN ( ICON0.PNG can also be ignored), into the hacked savedata folder.
• You need to have a K.BIN if you are running on an ancient Vita firmware (there’s plenty of kernel exploit sources in ARK-2 and ARK-3 for reference).
• Run the game and trigger the exploit as normal, it should load ARK.
• If you have issues with stability, it might be necessary to run freemem algorithm in the kernel exploit file ( K.BIN ).

There are three ways to update ARK:

• Option 1: Use the System Update feature in the XMB. Requires your PSP/Vita to be connected to the internet.
• Option 2: Copy the UPDATE folder to /PSP/GAME/ and run it.
• Option 3: Copy ARK_01234 folder and (on PSP) run ARK Loader again to install new flash0 files.

There are various ways to recover from a bad installation, usually result of bad configuration or misbehaving plugins. which may lead to crashes and even bricks.

This option allows you to boot up a Recovery App with settings and plugins completely disabled to prevent issues. You can use this app to change settings, plugins and use a file browser for various recovery operations.

The Recovery App is installed on Memory Stick located at /PSP/SAVEDATA/ARK_01234/RECOVERY.PBP and can be changed to just about any homebrew in PBP format.

To load into the Recovery App you must hold the R trigger while turning on the PSP console or running ARK Loader. You can also do the same when running any of the Bubbles on PS Vita. either Adrenaline or Standalone (except for ARK-X ).

If the Recovery App is unavailable (i.e. Full Installations ), or for a better/easier diagnostics, you can run ARK in Vanilla Mode. which temporarily disables settings and plugins when running ARK or booting any game.

This will load the XMB as original as possible but you can still use features such as the VSH Menu or XMB Control (which will let you reconfigure all your settings and plugins), it also works for games.

To enable Vanilla Mode simply hold select and/or start during bootup or gameboot to disable settings and plugins respectively.

The effect of Vanilla Mode is temporary and goes away on the next game boot or reboot unless you enable it again.

Official Firmware (for PSP Permanent Installations)

For any PSP user that has a Permanent installation (i.e. Infinity or cIPL ), you always have the option to boot the console in Official Firmware mode, which completely disables all Custom Firmware functionality until the next full reboot.

Pandora or Baryon Sweeper (for PSP)

If the console is Bricked and none of the above helps recovering the system, the last resort is to use a Pandora Battery or Baryon Sweeper in combination with a Magic Memory Stick.

You can find steps to install Despertar del Cementerio for Pandora models in this document.

Advanced VSH Menu Options

The default VSH menu packaged in ARK_01234 is a simplified, easier to use version of classic VSH menus. To have a more classic VSH menu with more advanced features you can select the Advanced VSH Menu from within the simplified VSH menu.

Some of the features available in Advanced VSH Menu include:

• Change USB Device mount (Memory Stick, Flash, UMD).
• Protect Flash in USB Device mount.
• View available ISO drivers.
• Mount UMD Video ISO.
• Change Foreground/Background VSH Menu colors.
• Convert battery from normal to pandora and viceversa.
• Activate flash and WMA playback.
• Swap X/O buttons.
• Delete hibernation (PSP Go paused game).
• Convert classic plugins to the new ARK format.
• Boot Random ISO.

WARNING : for advanced users only, do not attempt this if you’re not familiar with the PSP flash.

By default, ARK’s VSH Menu is installed on the Memory Stick (in /PSP/SAVEDATA/ARK_01234/VSHMENU.PRX ). This has the limitation that you won’t be able to access VSH menu without a memory stick. If you want to permanently install VSH Menu you need to copy VSHMENU.PRX to somewhere on your computer and rename it to ark_satelite.prx. which you can then copy to PSP’s flash0:/vsh/module/. you can use the VSH Menu itself to enable flash0 via USB. The final path should be flash0:/vsh/module/ark_satelite.prx. You can also achieve the same result by using the Full Installer.

NOTE : even if you install VSH Menu on flash0, the one installed on Memory Stick takes precedence in loading.

The easiest method to install a plugin is to simply copy its.prx (and other files/folders the plugin needs) to its default installation folder (typically /SEPLUGINS/ folder) and navigate to it using the File Browser (built into Recovery Menu and Custom Launcher). Upon opening the.prx file, you will be given the options to select the runlevel, or type the game ID, where the plugin loads.

From there you can use the XMB or Recovery Menu to configure or remove your installed plugins.

Alternately, you can manually install plugins by creating a file called PLUGINS.TXT in the /SEPLUGINS/ folder and/or ARK’s savedata folder.

If coming from PRO/ME you can Import them from the Advanced VSH Menu section.

To install plugins use the comma-separated format (CSV). Where the header is: runlevel, path, switch. A few samples:

• game, ms0:/seplugins/cwcheat/cwcheat.prx, enabled
• pops, ms0:/seplugins/cdda_enabler.prx, 1
• vsh, ms0:/seplugins/cxmb.prx, true
• ULUS10041, ms0:/seplugins/lcscheatdevice.prx, on

You can enable plugins on more than one game:

You can use the following keywords to enable a plugin:

You can use the following keywords to tell ARK when the plugin loads:

• all / always : if either of these keywords are used, the plugin will always load.
• psp / umd : plugin should only load on retail games (UMD/ISO/PSN).
• homebrew : plugin should only load on homebrews.
• game : plugin can load on both retail games and homebrews.
• psx / ps1 / pops : plugin only loads in PSX games.
• xmb / vsh : plugin only loads in the XMB.
• launcher : use this if the plugin should only load in the custom launcher.
• game ID : if you specify a game ID (i.e. SLUS000000 ), then the plugin will only load on that game.

You can also disable a plugin on certain games where they might be problematic. To do so, just add a disable line for the specific game ID after the enable line. For example, enable cwcheat on all retail games except for GTA LCS (US) and GTA VCS (EU).

• psp, ms0:/seplugins/cwcheat/cwcheat.prx, on
• ULUS10041 ULES00502, ms0:/seplugins/cwcheat/cwcheat.prx, off

Some noteworthy plugins that are compatible with ARK include (but not limited to):

• CXMB.
• Leda.
• PopsLoader V3 and V4i.
• Custom Firmware Extender.
• PSPLink.
• GTA LCS and VCS cheadevice (including the remastered version).
• CWCheat.
• pspstates kai.
• XMB Item Hider v1.3-r3
• DayViewer.
• Categories Lite.
• CDDA Enabler.
• PRO Online.
• PSP 3D.
• ZeroVSH Patcher.

Configuration and Settings

You can use the XMB and/or the Recovery Menu to easily handle CFW settings. However if you prefer you can also manually handle the settings yourself.

You can create a SETTINGS.TXT file using the same format as PLUGINS.TXT to enable/disable some CFW functionality on different parts of the system. Configuration settings you can use in ARK include:

• overclock : use this for better performance at the expense of battery time. Sets CPU/BUS speed to 333/166.
• powersave : use this for better battery life at the expense of performance. Sets CPU/BUS speed to 133/66.
• usbcharge : enables USB charging wherever you want.
• launcher : replaces the XMB with a custom menu launcher.
• disablepause : disables the pause game feature on PSP Go.
• highmem : enables high memory on models above 1K. You should only use this on homebrew runlevel as retail games were not meant to use the extra memory, and this can cause issues with cheat devices or other plugins that expect games to have their data at specific memory addresses.
• infernocache : enables cache for Inferno driver, improving performance of some games.
• oldplugin : enables old plugins support on PSP Go (redirects ms0 to ef0 ).
• skiplogos : skips the coldboot and gameboot logos.

You can use the same runlevels as used in plugins to tell ARK when the settings take effect (all/always, umd, homebrew, game, pops, vsh).

For example, you can overclock to highest CPU speed like this:

Another example, overclock only on games, use powersaving on VSH:

This also allows you to enable settings on specific games:

ARK comes prepacked with a very powerful launcher with a built-in file browser and highly customizable.

Some of its features include:

• Playback of ISO and all CSO formats with PMF video preview.
• Playback of UMD game discs.
• Categorized and organized game menu by PSP Games, PSP Homebrew and PS1 Games.
• Ability to scan savedata folders for games.
• Compatibility with old VHBL, ARK-2 and TN-CEF file names and folder paths.
• Ability to copy, move or delete entire folders.
• File browser has built-in FTP client, allowing you to browse and copy files from another PSP.
• FTP server and client can run simultaneously.
• Ability to mount UMD Video ISOs using the file browser.
• Ability to extract.zip files (up to highest compression) and.rar files (standard compression).
• Ability to edit text files (.txt.cfg or.ini).
• Ability to install Plugins via the file browser.
• Different background animation effects.
• And more.

You can however change it to whatever you please. You can change the theme used by both the custom launcher and recovery menu by replacing THEME.ARK with your own.

You can install themes within Custom Launcher (and Recovery Menu). Just place the themes folder anywhere on your PSP and use the file browser in the Custom Launcher to select which theme ( THEME.ARK ) you would like to install. By selecting it a submenu will pop up asking to install it or to preview the theme without installing.

Orbs are animations and not part of the actual Themes

Aside from the default launcher provided, there have been many other custom launchers created by scene members, some better looking, some with more features, some more simpler, but all of them with personality, dedication and love from the community.

Here is a list of all popular menus for ARK:

• ONEMenu by gdljjrod: https://github.com/ONElua/ONEmenu/releases
• vMenu by neur0n: http://www.mediafire.com/file/7acb5mhawx4gr9t/vMenu_ARK.7z/file
• yMenu by wth/yosh: https://docs.google.com/uc?export=downloadID=0B0kWUCdtGmJwLUhRUlNJSWhMWVE
• gMenu by gbot: http://www.mediafire.com/file/oou5490qc99vr7d/gmenuARK.rar/file
• 138Menu by gbot: https://wololo.net/talk/viewtopic.php?f=53t=33511
• pyMenu by Acid_Snake: https://wololo.net/talk/viewtopic.php?t=21942

Note: some of these menus have not been updated or supported by their developers in a while, they may not work well with modern ARK or real PSP hardware.

• Team PRO (the original developers of ARK): Coldbird. hrimfaxi and Neur0n.
• qwikrazor87 for being such a genius and all his hard work with kernel exploits and ARK-2.
• TheFl0w for his advancements and research in CFW development and overall contributions to the scene.
• meetpatty for his excellent work in fixing bugs and adding important features like cIPL and DevKit support as well as porting Time Machine and Despertar del Cementerio.
• Codestation for his incredible work improving CSO speeds and creating the ZSO format.
• Krazynez for his amazing work on Advanced VSH Menu and other bugfixes and features.
• pyroesp for his excellent work improving VSH Menu and refactoring code.
• TheSubPlayer for all the wonderful themes made for the custom launcher.
• UnkownBrackets (maxcso) for his help understanding the DAX format and Inferno speed hacks as well as creating the CSOv2 format.
• Zer01ne. noname120. astart and other devs that have blessed me with their knowledge and wisdom.
• Zecoxao for his great work creating dumpers that would allow us to archive rare firmwares.
• balika for his research in porting M33 to modern firmware that has helped improve compatiblity in ARK.
• hrydgard for the PMF player as well as being an inspiration for the custom launcher.
• Every other giant shoulder I am standing on.
• ARK comes with no warranty whatsoever. It was designed to be noob-proof, however it is possible for the universe to create an even greater noob capable of using ARK to destroy the Earth (or his PSP). I cannot be held responsible for this.
• ARK may cause ejectile malfunction if your hard drive is not hard enough.
• If this software malfunctions, you can turn it off and on again.

About

Custom Firmware for the PSP and PS Vita.

Best PSP RPGs JRPGs Games

It’s no surprise that the Playstation Portable is another great role-playing game console.

Many PSP games use quicksave. Save spaces!

Original and remade PSP RPGs are abundant.

And here is list of best 27 games…

• 27. 20th Anniversary Final Fantasy Edition
• 26. Radiant Mythology
• 25. The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
• 24. Ys: The Oath in Felghana
• 23. Growlanser Wayfarer of Time
• 22. ZHP: Darkdeath Evilman vs. Unlosing Ranger
• 21. Wild Arms XF
• 20. Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
• 19. Persona 2 Innocent Sin
• 18. Metal Gear AcID
• 17. Monster Hunter Freedom
• 16. Valkyria Chronicles II
• 15. Riviera, the Promised Land
• 14. The 3rd Birthday
• 13. PSP: Phantasy Star Portable
• 12. PSP’s Lunar: Silver Star Harmony
• 11. Rise of Apocalypse: X Men Legends II
• 10. Final Fantasy IV Complete Edition
• 9. Second Evolution: Star Ocean
• 8.Valkyrie profile: Lenneth
• 7. Jeanne d’Arc
• 6. Half Minute Hero
• 5. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
• 4. Ys Seven
• 3. Tactics Ogre: Hold Together
• 2. Persona 3 Portable
• 1. Final Fantasy Tactics: War of Lions

0th Anniversary Final Fantasy Edition

The first two Final Fantasy games are widely available, including on phones.

The PSP version is unique. It has stunning 2D sprites.

It’s not cartoonish like steam releases from a few years ago or pixelated like recent remasters.

Due to its simplicity and attractiveness, the first entry is still playable.

For interested fans, the sequel.

Radiant Mythology

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology is the only game in the series to be released in the west and localized into English, proving that JRPG fans love the PSP.

Tales of the World is a spin-off of the Tales franchise, which began in 1995 and continues today.

The game’s Metacritic score is 66, average. It’s the lone western release of this series and one of the console’s most unusual games.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky

In 2011, this modest excursion surprised us. The intricacies make this turn-based JRPG with a save-the-realm plot shine.

Trails in the Sky offers one of the most vividly portrayed worlds in any RPG series (six games as of this writing) with well-written, likeable characters whose interactions are always amusing.

This 40-hour game is the first in a critically acclaimed trilogy with recurrent characters, subplots, and musical themes.

With XSEED and Carpe Fulgur working on Second Chapter, we want more Trails. Trails in the Sky is one of the top PSP games.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana

While Ys SEVEN revitalized the series, Ys: The Oath in Felghana showcases Falcom’s old game concept.

In this game, Adol Christin is the only playable character, but he has a variety of magic rings. (Think A Link to the Past, but faster and leaner.)

The Oath in Felghana is a near-perfect action RPG with tight pacing, the best Ys soundtrack, and Rapid, skill-based gameplay.

Growlanser Wayfarer of Time

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time’s blend of politics and magic makes for a compelling plot.

Real-time strategy and turn-based combat make for a dynamic RPG experience.

The game’s branching storylines, outstanding gameplay mechanics, and retro aesthetics make it a must-play for genre fans.

ZHP: Darkdeath Evilman vs. Unlosing Ranger

ZHP: Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman adapts Disgaea’s sophisticated systems for turn-based dungeon crawlers.

You train in dungeons as the Unlosing Ranger to battle Darkdeath Evilman, whom you’ll face countless times.

ZHP: Unlosing Ranger Vs. Darkdeath Evilman is the most serious unserious RPG ever with a hilarious tale and great customization.

Wild Arms XF

Wild Arms XF is the series first step into the tactical role-playing game genre, breaking the rules of the genre in creative ways.

Battlefields, for example, are not separated into squares. But into hexagons, leading to a six-way movement option that opens up a ton of exciting battle alternatives.

This unique take on tactical turn-based combat is enhanced by a robust class system, and varied map and objectives design that will keep you engaged from beginning to end, despite the story of Clarissa and Felius and their fight against the council of the kingdom of Elesius not being particularly gripping.

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days

That implies massive numbers on your screen!

Following the human Adell and the demonic princess Rozalin in their war against Overlord Zenon, who converted the entire populace into demons, Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is just as zany as its predecessor.

The brilliant blending of features like Geo Panels and Geo Symbols, character creation, and reincarnation gives the game’s turn-based tactical fighting system amazing depth.

If things are bad, ask the Dark Assembly for help.

Persona 2 Innocent Sin

In Persona 2: Innocent Sin, characters and themes from Playstation 1’s Eternal Punishment return.

Joker’s mystery still dominates. But it evolves in a totally different way.

Due to its lengthy story and cumbersome battle system, Innocent Sin is hard for modern Persona fans to get into.

If you can overlook these issues, you’ll find a terrific plot that rivals its successors.

Metal Gear AcID

Metal Gear’s PSP debut eschewed stealth. Metal Gear AC!D, a non-Canon spin-off, is a card-based strategy game

The handheld’s turn-based gameplay works effectively, despite Metal Gear’s reputation.

One sequel was made for the PSP, while Portable Ops and Peace Walker returned to traditional gameplay.

Monster Hunter Freedom

Monster Hunter predates Monster Hunter: World, which may surprise some. Older games were specialised and less accessible.

For anyone who missed the first two Monster Hunter games, the PSP remakes are available.

Monster Hunter Freedom and Monster Hunter Freedom 2 use the PSP’s portability to offer new features to remakes.

Valkyria Chronicles II

Valkyria Chronicles dominates tactical role-playing games.

Valkyria Chronicles II replaces battle with a light-hearted military academy.

Avan Hardins’ Lanseal Military Academy classes don’t reflect the school’s culture. This odd separation reduces the experience.

Looking past this, you’ll find a superb tactical role-playing game that combines turn-based action with third-person shooters having various mission objectives and great level design.

War was never so exciting.

Riviera, the Promised Land

First impressions can lie.

What appears childish might be really dark.

Riviera: The Promised Land confuses gamers with its anime graphics and flips all genre standards. Players control wingless angel Ein and his allies in another angel-demon fight.

As the game’s mechanics are unique to PSP, saying another is reductive.

Exploration resembles point-and-click adventure games, while the creative customizing system offers diverse powers based on battle gear.

The 3rd Birthday

The third game in the cult-classic Parasite Eve franchise, The 3rd Birthday, may be the weakest of the many fantastic PSP-exclusive RPGs.

Fans of the older games will recognize the game-play and characters in the plot.

After so long, the franchise returned, but fans were disappointed. A console sequel may be released.

PSP: Phantasy Star Portable

JRPG numbering stopped after Phantasy Star IV. The PSP hosted the franchise. Phantasy Star Portable is a PS2 sequel to Universe.

Both the PSP game and its sequel have never been ported to other systems. The sequel has multiplayer. Games using the PSP’s extensive internet connectivity were amazing.

The Sega Genesis Collection on the PSP has the second, third, and fourth Phantasy Star games for fans of the earlier style. Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection on PS3 includes the Sega Master System original.

Phantasy Star Online 2, released in 2020 in the west but long available in Japan, offers a more modern online experience.

PSP’s Lunar: Silver Star Harmony

Believe a three-time Dragonmaster.

Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is the ultimate JRPG.

The story of young Alex and his boyhood companion Luna saving the world is basically identical, but new sequences give complexity to this outstanding coming-of-age story.

The strategic turn-based combat system, though slow, is very rewarding.

Rise of Apocalypse: X Men Legends II

Marvel’s action RPGs were risky before X-Men Legends, but after its success, we received a second and two Marvel Ultimate Alliance titles. Fun, but not masterpieces.

X-Men Legends II on PSP was the best. Any Marvel comics enthusiast might find a team of four to defeat enemies as nearly two dozen famous characters.

Although it’s hard to believe now, it was at least as fun as the home console version.

Final Fantasy IV Complete Edition

Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Edition features the original game redone with gorgeous 2D graphics, The After Years sequel, and a new tale that connects the two games.

The After Years is the Complete Edition’s main lure, however its story and balancing faults make it inferior to the original. despite intriguing battle changes.

When you can just play FF4 in its splendour, it’s fine.

Second Evolution: Star Ocean

Star Ocean: Second Evolution is good, but not much different from the Playstation 1 version.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution follows Claude C. Kenny and Rena Lanford as they study the Sorcery Globe, a meteorite affecting life on the impoverished planet Expel.

They fight several bad guys in full-on action conflicts and get to know a colorful array of individuals through the Private Action system.

The PSP port just adds additional voice acting and an optional character.

Even without modern features, the dual-perspective tale and fast-paced fighting carry the game.

.Valkyrie profile: Lenneth

Disappointed? You shouldn’t.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth on PSP is still fun.

You travel with the Valkyrie Lenneth to Midgard to collect warriors for Ragnarok in Valhalla. Fun too.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is as legendary as the Aesir due to its wonderful tale, platform-game-like exploration, excellent battle system, and many endings.

Jeanne d’Arc

Jeanne d’Arc’s tactical role-playing game isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s well-executed.

The game’s turn and grid-based combat features give neighboring troops extra turns and augment damage with elemental affinities to speed up battles.

This provides a fascinating, fast-paced, sophisticated, yet simple system.

With exciting gameplay powering up this re-telling of Jeanne d’Arc’s journey of self-discovery, you’ll be asking for more by the time the concluding credits start rolling.

Half Minute Hero

Half-Minute Hero is the time-saving role-playing game. Unlike most.

The Time Goddess’s Hero must travel the land to fight the Ultimate Evil Lord and his minions, who can cast a spell that can destroy the planet in 30 seconds.

In 30 seconds, you must beat adversaries in a simple combat system to reset the countdown and destroy the baddies.

Half-Minute Hero’s comedy and variety make it a great game.

If you give it a try I swear you’ll have a smile on your face.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy mixes worlds. A entertaining, nonsensical clash.

The century-long Cosmos-Chaos battle has deep motivations, but lousy writing makes you lose interest.

The fantastic gameplay, which blends 3D combat games with role-playing game concepts, keeps you playing: all the key protagonists and villains from Final Fantasy I to XIII are here, including some of the most popular side characters.

They have special attacks that start matches with fire, blizzards, and lightning. Also configurable gear.

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is addictive due to its many play types.

Ys Seven

Ys Seven is as filled with action as any self-respecting action role-playing game should be. Maybe more.

Ys Seven marked an important evolutionary stride for the series.

Multiple playable characters have specific movesets and attack attributes that make them more effective versus certain monster types.

Nightmare mode awaits you when Adol’s quest in Altago begins.

Tactics Ogre: Hold Together

The first Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together deserved better.

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together continues the fantastic story of Denam, who rises from a peasant of an oppressed minority to defend Valeria.

Remakes improve everything.

A new, more customizable skill system overhauled the class system. Rebalancing difficulty and improving English localization give the adventure a fantasy-novel vibe that the original urgently needed.

From developers to diehard fans, a work of love.

Persona 3 Portable

Persona 3 Portable is a more compact version of the Playstation 2 game that may be more fun.

Persona 3 Portable adds a new female protagonist, Social Links, and story sections to your hundredth game.

Persona 3 Portable is the ideal method to play a big role-playing game without spending hours in front of a TV.

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of Lions

Perfection can be enhanced. Indeed.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions improves the great tale of the original with gorgeously animated cutscenes and an English translation that finally adds political complexity.

This FFT game is great due to its superior story, gameplay changes, and fresh designs.

It also includes two new vocations and the same strong tactical role-playing game players have loved since 1998.

Best PSP Games Of 2023

When it comes to listing the best PSP games on the planet, you need to speak to people who have used this portable handheld console until their fingers have gone numb and their hands have become sore.

Luckily, we at Retro Dodo are those very people, and we’ve more than put the PSP through its paces over the years.

Sometimes, Sony’s mini gaming device gets shoved aside and overshadowed by the best Gameboy games and piled underneath a mound of Nintendo Switch Lite accessories, left to become a dusty relic of gaming past.

We’re here to tell you to brush off the dust and charge up the battery because it’s time for the PSP to shine once again!

Maybe we have too much time on our hands or maybe we just love testing games (definitely the second one), but we always have a couple of these units on hand in the office when we need a break from collecting stars in the Mushroom Kingdom or slaying Bokoblins in Hyrule Field.

But what are our go-to titles when we need a Playstation fix? Which are the best PSP games that get our gaming juices flowing?

Puzzle Quest: Challenge Of The Warlords (2007)

Puzzle Quest: Challenge Of The Warlords answers the age-old question ‘what would RPGs be like if everything was solved by completing a puzzle?’

And yes, the whole game is puzzle based.

It’s essentially a cross between Columns and Candy Crush; complete puzzles to defeat your opponent. Connect skulls, collect coins, and reduce your opponent’s health to zero.

I know what you’re thinking, and no, this game isn’t totally rubbish.

On paper, it sounds a bit pants – an RPG where no fighting takes place. Come on.

But, it worked with Pokemon Trading Card Game for the Gameboy Colour, and you get that same kind of thrill when playing Puzzle Quest.

I know slashing and hacking is always preferable, but when you can solve problems with smarts, there’s a greater chance of you staying alive!

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 (2008)

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 takes the 59th spot on this list of the best PSP games of all time.

If you’re reading this outside of North America (like I am as I write this), then you may know this series as ‘Everybody’s Golf’. Either way, it’s the same game, the same franchise, and an absolute belter to play either solo or with mates.

The courses instantly have that colourful Mario Golf vibe that makes Mazza’s outings so popular with players. It’s super easy to play no matter what your level of ability and makes for a great title to pass time while taking a bus or a train.

It’s also got a great local multiplayer setting where up to 8 players can compete for the golfing crown.

I have to admit, It’s never going to be as hardcore or as thrilling as the game in the top spot, but it’s definitely a worthy title to be in this list and one you need in your collection.

Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (2007)

Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars is up next, a game that is essentially and amalgamation of the first two Crazy Taxi games.

Relive your favourite routes around San Francisco and New York from both games. Take fares, play while listening to your own music on the PSP, and get stuck into some epic minigames!

Even though this is a racing game, it differs from many of the other car-based games on the PSP because there’s no actual competition against other drivers. Your main nemesis is the clock, and it takes no prisoners!

Although, if you hook up to Wi-Fi you can compete against other taxi drivers to see who can get the most fares in a limited amount of time and stealing passengers from them.

I suppose that’s the same as local taxi drivers and Uber drivers in real life, then?

Bomberman (2006)

Bomberman takes the 57th spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time!

If you’ve played a Bomberman game at any point in your entire life, then you’ll already know how this game works and what the multiplayer can be like.

There hasn’t been any massive changes to the formula since the Mega Drive days, but the great thing about this multiplayer marvel is it doesn’t need to be different.

It’s a bona fide classic on any system; I reckon they could just churn it out like GTA on every console and people would always lap it up.

Clear one world, move onto the next. Simple right?

Use items to increase your bomb size as you battle through icy terrain, sandy deserts, and so much fire everywhere!

The gadgets you pick up will stay with you until you die (in game, not real life). And when you do die, the good news is that any items you’ve collected will stay in your inventory.

Damn those pesky gadgets, why can’t they just stay put!

With a story mode boasting 100 levels and a classic mode with 50 classic levels from the original Bomberman, there’s plenty for PSP users to sink their teeth into.

You will get angry when you blow up for the 100th time in one session, it’s just par for the course.

Virtua Tennis: World Tour (2005)

I’ve never been very good at Tennis, but Virtua Tennis: World Tour is a whole different story!

This is the closest I’ll ever come to playing against Tennis professionals (and owning them on the court). And the great thing about this game is that there are multiple court styles to test your mettle on too, with all of the usual moves that the pros use available at your disposal.

Pick a base in the world and jet off to different tournaments around the world as you become the best in the business. There’s also a chance to customise your very own player to take on the court too.

Yes, digital Seb is an absolute monster with a racket in his hand!

In a similar way to the handheld Mario Golf titles, players have to win matches to get money, and then they can spend that money on new gear or to buy contracts with sponsors.

There are tonnes of fun modes too that combine Tennis with a Fruit Ninja sort of vibe, and the Wi-Fi multiplayer mode really heats up the doubles action!

Crush (2007)

You might have heard Flight of the Conchords riffing about the works of Escher, and those mind bending marvels make the basis of the first title in our best PSP games list, Crush!

Take Danny, a chap with insomnia on a mind-bending adventure.

Yes, you’re about to play through levels inside someone’s mind… talk about a serious case of inception!

It’s safe to say that Danny has lost his marbles. In this case, quite literally, and players must find them hidden throughout each level.

Remember the cool mechanic in A Link Between Worlds where players have to go flat and move in a 2D fashion. Well, ‘crushing’ allows Danny to move from 3D to 2D to reach areas that were previously inaccessible.

Crush is one of those puzzle titles that never gets old and stands the test of time when it comes to giving your brain a good-old workout!

Every Extend Extra (2006)

If we’re sticking on the theme of brain-bending games, then Every Extend Extra is up there with the best too.

How do you feel about a game where you have to blow your ship up to defend yourself from oncoming attacks?

Bizarre right, but so addictive I think it could be the main reason I shave my head at 32…

It’s all about holding off until the right moment and exploding at the right moment, pulling off those epic bonuses by destroying enemies in chains.

Obviously, this removes a life, so you need to make sure you get enough points every time to bag another life for the next time you need to ‘defend’ yourself.

No shooting, but amazing music. I guess it’s a trade off we can live with!

The Sims 2 (2004)

The Sims 2 hardly needs an introduction. I think we all played this game to death back in the early noughties and enjoyed making waves and creating a life for our chosen character.

The PSP version of the PC game is an adventure with certain features from the PC title. Customise and create features as you explore Strangetown, conversing with the people who live there as you complete tasks.

As with all life simulation games, there are missions that border on the mundane and ones that will blow your mind. Eat, shower, and then whack a Zombie.

Keep your character from going crazy, make sure they’re happy, and enjoy building a weird and wonderful world for them to live in.

Metal Gear Ac!d (2004)

Next up in our list of the best PSP games of all time is a series that you should already be pretty familiar with. Metal Gear Ac!d (complete with quirky ‘!’ replacing the i) brings familiar MGS sights and sounds to the PSP with a little twist.

Let’s cover the plot first.

Players control Solid Snake as he tries to figure out what a bunch of terrorists who have hijacked a plane want in return for a senator’s life.

Nothing too serious then, eh?

Now, I know you’re getting ready to dive into gun-toting action and lots of stealth gameplay, but you might have to hold your horses…

The twist of this game is that it’s actually a turn-based card game.

Yes… MSG meets The Pokemon TCG universe… almost.

Plan moves by using certain cards that you have in your pile. It’s weird… and by all accounts it shouldn’t be as addictive as it is. It’s definitely different, I’ll give it that!

Up (2009)

We all know the storyline for the next title in our list of the best PSP games. Up is responsible for men, women, children, and animals all over the globe shedding a tear while following Carl Frederickson’s story, and the game manages to capture all of those same feel-good vibes.

Players can control both Carl and Russel the lovable Boy Scout as they move between the game’s levels. Each character has special abilities; Carl can use his walking stick in a similar fashion to Scrooge McDuck, and Russel can shine light into enemies’ eyes with his magnifying glass

The levels look fantastic on the PSP, yet another example of how this portable handheld surpasses itself time and time again.

Play well-thought-out mini games such as raft riding and sit back while you watch actual scenes taken from the iconic movie.

Some movie/game ports end up being completely dire, but this isn’t one of them. If you enjoyed the film (of course you did), then you’ll fall in love with the game immediately.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of The Lions (2007)

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War Of the Lions is up next, a title that seriously works your braincells into a frenzy.

As you might have guessed from an RPG such as this, there are lots of character obtaining and team building elements. Collect items, built the best party, and upgrade your job ranking as you move through the game’s levels.

Each character has a unique skillset that will help you on the road ahead.

In looks, gameplay, and style, the PSP version of the game plays and feels like the PS1 title. It’s perfect to the finest detail and makes for a brilliant portable playing experience.

Some maps have been reworked to iron out parts that that didn’t work on the original; think of it as the original supercharged to 11.

And, with cel-shaded cut-scenes that help to tell the story, this PSP game is a real visual feast for the eyes.

Riviera: The Promised Land (2006)

The 49th spot in our best PSP games list goes to Riviera: The Promised Land.

This fantastic game first appeared on the WonderSwan, Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi’s Japanese handheld phenomenon.

Now, on the PSP, it’s one of the most sought after games on the console thanks to the epic voice acting and a storyline that Tolkien would have been proud of.

There are six characters to play as, each boasting their own backstory and secrets to uncover. They also have individual skills that will aid you throughout the levels.

The game itself feels like a playable comic book, though not as obviously as games like Comix Zone. The story is based on Norse Mythology and heavily features dark angels, magic spells, pointy swords, and the realm of Asgard.

Sounds like a recipe for success to me!

Marvel Ultimate Alliance (2006)

Now, let’s check out an RPG with a different twist, shall we?

Gaming and the MCU go hand in hand, right? We all love the famous characters in Marvel Ultimate Alliance, and teaming them up through an action/RPG is something that each and everyone of us probably dreams about on a regular basis as it is.

Make a team of your four favourite fighters and take on challenges. Get bonus points for making teams within the existing Marvel factions – Avengers, X-Men, Defenders etc.

This game dropped on all consoles back in 2006, but the PSP version was my favourite handheld port. It wiped the floor with the GBA version, even though the graphics were simplified.

You just can’t beat playing on the PSP’s wider screen!

In true RPG fashion, players can uncover different endings depending on which characters are in their group. Unlock other fighters and discover new quests as the game progresses too!

The 3rd Birthday (2012)

The 3rd Birthday takes the 47th spot on this list of the best PSP games of all time, making the third title in the epic Parasite Eve series.

Take control of Aya Brea once again, but this time in a new role. She’s no longer a cop but works for the Counter Twisted Organisation, a specialist squad that fights the Twisted.

Like Resident Evil 4, the camera sits over Aya’s shoulder, drawing players into the action.

The best part about The 3rd Birthday is the new ability that Aya can now wield while fighting monsters. She can move her soul between other allies, taking control of other NPCs briefly to get the better of her opponents.

The Parasite Eve series is known for its creepy monsters and edge-of-your-seat thrilling quests. and Aya’s portable adventure certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects (2005)

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is up next, bringing classic Marvel heroes and villains up against a horde of new characters.

In many ways, this feels and plays like a Marvel version of Super Smash Bros. mixed with Mortal Kombat, boasting fatality moves and button-mashing attacks galore.

Players can control Venom, Iron Man, Wolverine, and many more famous faces, with action taking inspiration from a mini comic series that came back in 2005.

If you’re a marvel fan that likes the idea of little known characters that are a part of the wider MCU who only appeared in one game, then this is definitely worth a shot.

In all fairness, and considering this game didn’t get a good review back in the day, it’s actually fun to play through. If you like beat-em-ups, then fill ‘yer boots!

Call of Duty: Roads to Victory (2007)

Call of Duty: Roads to Victory takes the 45th position in our mighty list of the best PSP games of all time.

Based on COD3, this portable game is basically a watered down version of the console title, with many of the same maps but different objectives and changes to make play on a smaller console easier and smoother.

Still, there’s still plenty of Nazi-hunting, rocket-firing, sniper-rifle action for players to sink their teeth into; it’s still COD game, after all!

Players move through different missions playing as different Allied forces, choosing from Canadian, British, and American troops.

Take over bunkers, find out where secret documents are hidden, and rid France of Nazi forces as you gun back enemies from every direction.

The PSP might be small, but the multiplayer on this game is also incredibly mighty. Play with up to 6 people through different modes including deathmatch and everyone’s favourite multiplayer war game – capture the flag!

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together (2010)

Fans of Tactics Ogre: The Knights of Lodis will be huge fans of Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.

All of the Tactical Ogre games are, for want of a better phrase, hard as nails. They’re what I like to call the advanced RPG player’s ‘weapon of choice’ and take some series thinking about.

We’re talking the kind of tactical mind that gets you bumped up to General in the army without having to do any of the grunt work.

Put your grey matter to the test with battles on carefully planned grids, tactical manoeuvres, and more puzzling gameplay that you can shake a spear at.

The isometric top-down view gives players a great vantage point of all the whole battlefield. The speed and movements of each character play a big part in your success too; it’s a feast for the senses.

WWE All Stars (2011)

WWE All Stars takes the 43rd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time, bringing all star wrestling action into the palms of your hands.

Listen, we all know that Wrestling games are superb, there’s no denying that. And even on PPSSPP, one of the best PSP emulators, this game look and plays like an absolute dream.

Play as classic characters such as the Rock, Undertaker, John Cena, Hulk Hogan, and many more!

In many ways, All Stars players like the Wrestlemania arcade game. It’s focuses less on the simulated elements of the Smackdown games and is more of a fighting title.

Imagine Street Fighter in a ring, and you get the general idea.

Of course, everything from the entrances to the finishing the moves are over the top and cheesy as hell, but that’s why we love WWE. It’s the showmanship and aura that these larger than life characters provide that make WWE what it is, and all of those elements come across perfectly in this portable title.

Fifa 09 (2008)

Fifa 09 is a title that doesn’t really need any introduction or spiel whatsoever to be honest; football game from 2008 with all the popular teams in it.

Can you tell I don’t really follow football that much?

There are over 250 improvements from the previous game in Fifa 09 included a new collision detection system. How fast you tackle determines the outcome of the impact, probably resulting in more red cards if I’m playing.

With new moves and character profiles that match the players (big dudes can knock down small dudes and cheat just like in the real game), this was the most realistic Football game ever… until Fifa 10 came out.

One new feature was the ‘Be A Pro’ mode, allowing gamers to take a player from their chosen team through a season in one position. Live the action of improving their skills on the go and working to be a proper team player.

Remember the Smart controls in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe too? Well, players new to Fifa can use special controls to make them as good as advanced players until they learn the ropes.

Now even people with two left feet like me can be a pro!

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy (2011)

It’s time to take a take a look at the first RPG on our list with Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy!

Many gamers actually pronounce the 12 as Duodecim, which seems a lot cooler than sticking a 012 in the title.

The number 12 does play a big part in this game however, with the plot focusing on the 12th war between Cosmos and Chaos.

Oh yeah; we’re getting straight into the nerdy goodness straight away here folks!

In pretty much every way, this game is similar to the original Dissidia Final Fantasy. It features map-based combat where two characters battle it out to see who is victorious.

Pull off bravery attacks and steal bravery points from players too chicken to beat you. It’s basically bullying other characters using swords and powers…

The main change from the first game is the single player gameplay. Players now take characters through a game world reminiscent of the other Final Fantasy titles, exploring every inch of the map and taking part in random events along the way.

That’s the best bit about FF games, after all. Losing yourself in a dark and dingy dungeon with your mates at your back is why we live for these games!

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (2010)

PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe is the way to play the game. The original title is fine and the expansion pack made it even better, but a game doesn’t get the word ‘deluxe’ on it unless it’s the real deal.

The deluxe version has all the features of the expansion with tonnes of new levels and features for gamers to enjoy. We’re talking new enemies, new music, and of course, more towers.

I should probably explain what is going on in this game for readers who have no idea what I’m on about.

This is tower defence at its finest. The aim of the game is to build gnarly towers in order to stop big brutes from getting to a specific location.

Keep your creatures alive, defend your town, hut, or base, and gun down bad guys using the different weapons associated with each tower. It’s a fun, tactical game that fans of Advance Wars are sure to love.

Ridge Racer (2004)

As racing titles go, Ridge Racer is one of the best. Blast through 24 circuits from the Ridge Racer series including the original arcade game, drifting around corners and racing into the sunset.

Seriously, the PSP does things with this game that it shouldn’t be able to do for such a small console. The graphics are great, and classic tracks such as Crimonsonrock Pass look spectacular, even on a small screen!

Those of you bored of replaying Mario Kart 7 on the DS need this in your lives. With Time Attack modes and Wi-Fi play for 8 players, there’s no chance of ever getting bored while playing Ridge Racer.

Of course, having Nitrous boost at your disposal instantly makes any game better. Drifting around corners while accelerating at insane speeds is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Persona 2: Innocent Sin (2011)

You may well be seeing another Persona title further down this list at some point, but I couldn’t go any further without mentioning Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

As part of the famous JRPG Persona series, Innocent Sin has a vast array of characters including one called the Führer… and yes, he looks a lot like that evil dude that you’re thinking of.

I’m not sure why Hitler is in the fictional City of Sumaru, but he and a villain called The Joker have to answer to a group of high school students wielding patronus style personas.

Let’s back up a little bit. The kids in Persona 2 use amplified parts of their personalities that turn into warriors in battle. Think Yu-Gi-Oh meets Expecto Patronum, and you’ll be in the right ball park.

Fans of Fire Emblem will love the tactical turn-based gameplay that makes JRPGs so damn fun, along with the brilliant artwork that goes into the on-screen speech exchanges between characters.

One cool feature is the rumour system. Rumours can be spread from NPCs by players and will eventually come true, affecting the entire game world. It’s a neat little trick and one that makes chatting to every character a must.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (2006)

The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky takes the 37th spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time.

Fans of the Trails series will no doubt already know all about this epic game. I can still remember the first time I visited the Liberl Kingdom, getting stuck into spellbinding battles and meeting all the colourful characters that live there.

Grid based battles are the aim of the game in this Legend of Heroes titles, that and exploring, killing monsters, and collecting every single item that you can lay your hands on.

Oh, and don’t forget a plot line that would make Bilbo Baggins pack his bags in anticipation of another adventure at the drop of a hat!

Don’t panic; there are plenty of chances to level up characters and pick the brains of wise NPCs along the way. Those who love to get 101% on games will really get value for money with this one.

I look for an immersive and engaging fantasy experience when I play games like this, and the Trails series is dripping with so much nerdy goodness that I could play Trails in the Sky for days on end.

Wipeout Pure (2005)

Wipeout Pure is the first of two Wipeout titles in this list (PSP fans can probably guess which other one ranked higher!)

If you love racing games but think that the wheels get in the way, then Wipeout Pure should be on your list. Anti-gravity racing in space with courses that make you close your eyes as you go around corners…

… what could possibly go wrong!

The only thing that could make this game any better is adding intense futuristic weapons into the mix.

Good news; there are tonnes of them!

Playing our mates in Retro Dodo Towers via Wi-Fi multiplayer is always a massive laugh. Pure is one of the most unpredictable games going; with speeds like these, the outcome of the race is anyones guess!

And the music; nothing gets you pumped like breakneck acceleration with banging tunes blasting into your headphones!

Lumines (2004)

It’s rare that puzzle games make it into lists of the best games for a console, let alone puzzle games that launched with the console itself, but Lumines has passed the test of time and proven its worth with gaming fans across the globe.

If you’re a fan of puzzlers such as Tetris, Zoocube, and Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training, then this psychedelic brain-teaser will be right up your street.

Lumines is one of the best PSP games if you like your titles to test your mental wit.

Block matching gameplay twinned with sound and light patterns make for a visual feast for the senses, and with new backgrounds and landscapes to discover as you progress through the game, it constantly evolves and stays fresh for the player.

The chances of you owning this game already if you’re a PSP user are pretty high, but if you haven’t had the pleasure of playing Luminess before, then get a copy and give it a go.

Fifteen years on and it’s still one of the most well thought out and best PSP games to date!

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009)

It might surprise some of you that I’ve put Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars so high up in this list. The truth is that while I’m a fan of the series as a whole, I just loved other entries in this list of the best PSP games a whole lot more.

Having said that, this original story in the GTA Canon brings all the open-world skulduggery that we love to the PSP with real style.

As always, anything is possible and highly probably in this game. Players take to the streets to survive amongst Triad wars while getting caught up with every type of crime and corruption imaginable.

In a step away from the traditional GTA feel, Chinatown Wars portrays all the action from above instead of behind the character.

The PSP port does away with the cel shaded graphics used on the DS and looks less like an interactive comic book, however, bringing it back in line with other titles from the series.

Set fire to everything, drive every car dangerously, and live like an absolute bawler on the mean streets of Chinatown!

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (2006)

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is a PSP remake of the original Disgaea: Hour of Darkness for the PS2. Championing people who wear far too few clothes, this port is an updated version of the original with fine tuned features and new elements that make the gameplay oh so sweeter.

If I had to describe this game to another human, I would use the words ‘crazy’ a heck of a lot.

How many other games do you know of that feature explosive penguins armed with knives or a prince of darkness that is the biggest spoilt brat that you’ve ever met?

One of the things that I love about Afternoon of Darkness (apart from the fact that the name sounds like a really weird after-school club) is the fact that you can keep upgrading your characters long after the main story has finished.

It’s an open ended title, which means the fun only stops when you get bored of the characters… something that isn’t likely to happen any time soon!

If you liked this tactical RPG on the PS2, then you’ll love everything about the PSP port. Give it a go and let us know what kind of a nostalgia factor score you’d give it!

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror (2007)

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror takes the 32nd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time!

Syphon Filter games are known for their stealthy snooping missions and picking off enemies in stressful situations. You’ll be happy to know that Dark Mirror is no different; if anything, it’s more like the original Syphon Filter games!

Gabe Logan is back for more covert action. Sometimes players take the role of Lian Xing, but it’s mostly Gabe in the firing line… something that we know he’s more than happy about.

Shooting around corners, using advanced military technology, infiltrating enemy bases with no knowledge of what might be waiting for him; these are the kinds of things that Gabe lives for.

If you’re the leader of a black-ops team that no one knows about, then I guess you get used to making 100 life and death decisions before breakfast.

The graphics in Black Mirror are superb, as is the gameplay and the sheer amount of firepower you can control throughout the different levels. We couldn’t have a list of the best PSP games without it!

Players resume the role of Gabe Logan and occasionally Lian Xing, special operatives for a secret government agency. The non-linear, open-ended feel of the previous game has been reverted to the linear gameplay. Several types of weapons and vision modes are introduced. Players can now hide against walls and shoot around corners. However, the roll ability is noticeably absent. [1]

Half-Minute Hero (2009)

Up next on our list of the best PSP games is Half-Minute Hero, a game that started life as a PSP exclusive for every gaming region back in 2009.

You might have guessed from the name, but this title has a hidden catch that makes everything a heck of a lot harder. Each single-player game mode, of which there are many, features a recurring game mechanic in which players must complete challenges and tasks in 30-seconds or under.

Half-Minute Hero… ? Now you get it, right?

Gamers control a Hero through a series of levels with an aim of finding and destroying a gnarly boss in half-a-minute.

Finally, all that practice on WarioWare smooth moves and stressing my way through Majora’s Mask will finally come in handy!

Like Majora’s Mask, time can be reset ‘at your own peril’. That’s all I’ll say on that matter for now. Like all good RPGs, weapons and skills can be levelled up once overworld challenges have been successfully completed.

If most games prove tediously easy, then this could be one of the most challenging and best PSP games for you!

Tekken: Dark Resurrection (2006)

Tekken: Dark Resurrection takes the 30th spot on this list of the best PSP games ever made!

Dark Resurrection is an update to the Tekken 5 home console title and follows the same story. Still, it doesn’t matter that it’s not a new title; playing Tekken on the go is awesome no matter what the storyline is.

Compete to earn the rankings of Dark Lord and Divine Fist by battling against an epic roster of fighters. The Arcade Mode from Tekken 5 has been updated with 12 new rankings to achieve, which is great for killing time on a long train journey or summer days under your favourite tree in the park.

As well as customisable player options, the PSP version also came with a mode called Tekken Dojo. Gamers fight against ghosts of other fighters, a little like a time trial on Mario Kart.

This game even came with a PSP D-pad attachment in some regions, though sadly not in Europe.

YS Seven (2009)

YS Seven makes up part of the epic YS series and appeared on the PSP back in 2009. Some of you may have read about YS over on our list of the best Turbografx 16 games, and the PSP offering is just as fantastical (if that’s even a word… ).

This game is set in the kingdom of Altago. While out trying to find adventures to keep them occupied, Adol and Dogi get thrown into jail after trying to save a woman from being harassed.

People just can’t do good deeds anymore!

In a bit of a swtich up from the other YS games, YS Seven sees players choosing weapon types to maximise or minimise damage rather than swapping between weapons and magic.

Parties can have up to three people in them, and hitting enemies charges up meters for upgrading skills and unleashing super attacks.

Listen, if you’ve played an RPG before, then you’ll know how this game works. It’s a classic role-playing-monster from start to finish. Give it a go and let us know your thoughts!

Ape Escape: On The Loose (2009)

Ape Escape: On The Loose takes the 28th spot on this list of the best PSP games of all time!

On the loose is a PSP remake of the original Ape Escape game, allowing fans of the series to play the home console version on the go!

Players must capture apes using all sorts of gadgets and technical marvels, working their way through lots of Spyro-esque designed levels in search of silly simians on the run.

Speaking of silly Simians, players chase after a monkey named Specter who gains enhanced intelligence and a bit of a nasty manner after donning a special helmet

Armed with gadgets galore, gamers control Spike as he tries to stop Specter from sending his monkey minions back through time and rewriting history!

If you like the graphical stylings of Space Station Silicon Valley and enjoy chasing after naughty primates, then this game is definitely for you!

Split/Second (2010)

Next up on our list of the best PSP games is Split/Second, a Disney Studios game that certainly isn’t safe for mice, ducks, or whatever animal Goofy is.

If you like your reality TV shows to have that Hunger Games feel, then you’ll be all over Split/Second. Based on a fictional TV program, players must take part in a series of events in order to blow things up. These ‘power plays’ can only be achieved by scoring big and taking risks in high-octane races.

Split/Second is a game where the course can change midway through the race. By performing stunts, overtaking players mid-air, and driving like a Formula 1 god, players can fill their power meter and trigger an explosion that could totally affect the outcome of the race.

Players can open up new sections, block parts of a track, or create obstacles that your opponents have to tackle.

Any reality TV show where dams burst and bombs fall from helicopters isn’t one that I want to be a part of… in real life, at least!

The PSP version has some subtle differences from the main console versions, including fine-tuning of the game mechanics and alterations that make racing on the PSP easier. A new track featuring all three docks in one lap appears as a PSP only level too.

Mega Man Powered Up (2006)

Everyone’s favourite robo-space-fighter (sorry, Buzz Lightyear) is back in this epic PSP adventure. If you have played the original Mega Man for the SNES, then Mega Man Powered Up will be right you your futuristic street.

Powered Up is a remake of the SNES side-scrolling adventure and arrived on the PSP in 2006. You might be thinking that it looks a little like Viewtiful Joe crossed with Ōkami and less like a Mega Man title, and you’d be right.

This game features the original Chibi graphics style that Capcom intended to use on the SNES game, though the console couldn’t handle the style at the time. It makes for a ‘cutesy’ Mega Man adventure, but the same awesome gameplay is still there!

As with the original 1987 Mega Man title, our blue-helmeted protagonist must stop the evil Dr Wily from destroying the world with his eight ginormous Robot Masters.

Mega Man might look mighty small in this title, but the Robot Masters still look pretty formidable! You can actually control them in this version, though you’ll have to find out how for yourself!

The game is vibrant and immersive and features all of the elements that we have come to love from Mega Man’s outings on various consoles. This is one of the best PSP games to play on long journeys and a great game to pick up and play while relaxing.

Killzone: Liberation (2006)

Next up on our list of the best PSP games of all time is a PSP exclusive title; Killzone: Liberation.

Unlike Mega Man Powered Up, this isn’t a game that you might play through to relax. It’s a thrilling adventure that requires stealth and concentration, one that players will need to be on the ball with if they want to survive.

Killzone: Liberation takes place eight weeks (or two months if you prefer) after the end of the first Killzone game for the PS2. Perhaps because of the PSP’s small size, this game is viewed from a top/down perspective, giving it that ‘classic RPG’ feel.

Fans of shooting games such as Syphon Filter and any Metal Gear Solid title will love Killzone: Liberation. As well as shooting bad guys and trying to stay alive, there is a collecting element to the game too.

By hoarding money cases that you find and completing certain tasks, players can upgrade weapons, discover new abilities, and eventually carry more items that can help them throughout the game.

With five stages comprising of twenty levels to play through, this is a game that will certainly give you value for money. Check it out; we promise you won’t be disappointed.

Burnout Legends (2005)

I’ve always loved Burnout games for their huge crashes and great car selection, and Burnout Legends brings all of the best bits of the franchise to the PSP.

Legends is essentially a mash-up of the first three Burnout games. It’s very similar to Burnout 3: Takedown, though everything has obviously been scaled down for the PSP.

All of the modes from the previous games feature in Legends including World Tour, Eliminator, and Face-Off, the latter giving users the chance to win legendary cars.

The best modes, however, have to be Road Rage and Pursuit. Road Rage requires players to drive badly, earning points for causing other cars to crash, while Pursuit sees gamers taking control of a cop car as they take down drivers.

There are 95 cars to unlock and race with in Burnout Legends, all of which are from Burnout 2 and 3.

The PSP does have an exclusive feature where players can ‘bet’ their collector car against another player online in order to try and collect all five unique cars. If you lose, however, then you lose your collector car!

LittleBigPlanet (2009)

I have still yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like LittleBigPlanet. An immersive adventure featuring a voiceover from Stephen Fry; what’s not to love!

Sackboy is an unlikely video game protagonist, but this brand new adventure made solely for the PSP has lots of great features that make ‘ol Sacklad a front runner for the PSP mascot!

If you’ve played the PS3 version of this game, then the mechanics are very similar. This version is actually a sequel to the original Little Big Planet and sees Sackboy taking a trip around the world on his holidays.

From Persia to Australia, and the Alpine Mountains to China, Sackboy meets different native characters from each of the countries he visits who help him on his many adventures.

There are 23 main levels and 14 exciting mini levels to play through as Sackboy collects prize bubbles containing everything from stickers to new costumes.

One of the best parts of this game was the level creator, where players could make their own levels for Sackboy to traverse through. Gamers could upload these for other users to play all over the globe, but sadly, the Little Big Planet servers closes forever in 2016.

Patapon (2007)

The first Patapon drops into the 22nd spot in this list of the best PSP games of all time!

You’re going to see Patapon 3 a little bit further down this list… and I can best describe these games as like walking into a nervous breakdown.

They’re so crazy that I still don’t really understand them. All I know is that I like them, and I guess that’s all that really matters!

In a kind of ‘Black and White’ vibe, players play as the god ‘Almighty’ and must restore the Patapon tribe to their former glory.

Think Parappa the Rapper crossed with Donkey Kong as a gameplay style too. Complete actions in time with a drum beat and take down massive foes as you search for Earthend.

I think this seems like another bizarre scenario that Danny from Crush could find himself wandering into…

Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters (2007)

Up next is Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, a portable outing for two of Sony’s most-loved characters.

They might claim that size matters, but this portable powerhouse is an absolute belter of a game, proving that handheld titles can be just as exciting as their home console counterparts.

Once again, the PSP provides stunning graphics. And despite being interupted from their holidays, Ratchet and Clank set about rescuing a captured girl and dealing with the Technomites with a smile on their faces.

Ok, maybe not a smile, but they don’t complain while they’re doing it!

Upgrade weapons, acquire armour, and work your way through tonnes of exciting levels alongside lots of memorable characters that never fail to pull you back into the game time and time again.

Size Matters gained the accolade of handheld of the month back in 2007 with critics loving the pint-sized adventure and some of the new features it boasted. I love Ratchet and Clank, and the formula that make this series great has proven successful once again!

Wipeout Pulse (2007)

Next up on our list of the best PSP games is a futuristic racing game that fans of the F-Zero franchise won’t be able to get enough of.

Wipeout Pulse isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s high-octane racing that makes Mario Kart look like pushing a stroller through the park.

The year is 2207 (in the game; don’t worry, you haven’t travelled forward in time or anything), and you are about to take your positions in the FX400 anti-gravity racing league…

… let’s hope you haven’t had any lunch!

This game looks superb on the PSP, giving us yet another example of how incredible and ahead of its time this device truly is.

And talk about edge of your seat racing!

There are eight teams in Wipeout Pulse, and each ship has an energy field that protects the ship from bashes and crashes. If your energy runs out, then your ship explodes!

The game only features twelve tracks, but players can race these both forwards and backwards, essentially providing a mirror mode and taking the number to 24. With tonnes of extras to unlock and discover, this is one racing game you’ll find hard to put down.

Resistance: Retribution (2009)

Up next on our list of the best PSP games is Resistance: Retribution, a portable adventure from the Resistance timeline that falls in between ‘Fall of Man’ and Resistance 2.

For starters, let’s talk about that epic online multiplayer! Up to 8 people could battle it out online using some of the best weapons known to gaming-kind, stealthily moving through trenches and battling it out on dark and shady-looking maps.

The multiplayer servers are now sadly offline, but players can still enjoy the epic story mode in this game.

Resistance: Retribution was one of the first titles that I used to connect my PSP up to my PS3 too! With Resistance 2 in the disc tray, gamers could fire up Retribution and play it using the PS3 controller. The DualShock rumble worked perfectly too!

There was also a feature where you could ‘infect your PSP’ and get a brand new storyline to play through. It’s hidden features like this that make Resistance: Retribution one of the best PSP games and a must-have title in your collection.

Monster Hunter Freedom (2006)

After a long day at the office or when things are getting you down, sometimes all you want to do is to slay scores of monsters in an open world game where ‘kill or be killed’ is the only rule that matters. There doesn’t need to be a reason as to why it’s happening, it just is.

Life might not be as safe when you’re constantly worrying about being somethings next meal, but it sure does simplify things a heck of a lot!

Don’t think for a second that Monster Hunter Freedom certainly is a game that you can take lightly, however. This is a game where you have to be present and alert at all times, a title where you WILL die a lot and have to come back to the same point and repeat the process all over again.

It requires more patience than a Christmas shopper in a Best Buy queue and the planning that you need to put into taking out some of the bigger foes is tantamount to military strategy.

That being said, the feeling that you get when you finally bring down the big monsters and stand victorious is probably up there with winning an Olympic medal.

Add that to a stunning open world map and flowing gameplay, and you’ve got yourself an instant classic.

Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004)

Pirates rule, which is why Sid Meier’s Pirates! takes the 17th spot in our list!

I watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie 7 times when it came out. I guess that’s why I like this game so much along with Muppets Treasure Island and anything else swashbuckling-related.

The PSP game is a bit of an amalgamation between the PC and Xbox versions of the game, with obvious graphical modifications to make the game look great on the handhelds wider screen.

Hunting for treasure plays a huge part in the PSP port, with bonus levels being added to back it up. Avoid dangers and search for where ‘X’ marks the spot.

If you remember playing games like Thief, then you’ll need to employ some of those sneaking tactics to make it into populated areas too. It’s a fun game with all the rum-swigging Pirate antics that you wish were allowed in normal society!

Jeanne d’Arc (2006)

I’ve always thought of Jeanne d’Arc as being a bit of a cross between Final Fantasy and Holy Magic Century, one of the Best N64 Games that proved difficult to purchase over here in the United Kingdom.

This game takes a different spin on ‘Joan Of Arc’s’ life, turning what we may know from history on its head and replacing it instead with monsters, ghouls, and turn-based role-play action of the finest calibre.

As the player, you are tasked with moving Jeanne and her team through a very different looking France as she battles demon soldiers that are fighting on the side of the British empire.

Turns out the Brits made a deal with the leader of the demon army to get some evil soldiers on their team to give them a leg up in the war (I wouldn’t put it past Downing Street).

Wielding a sacred armlet that grants her special powers, Jeanne must push back the forces of evil in a turn-based RPG that has surprises hidden around every corner.

The gameplay is incredibly unique and the battles are very well thought out. WARNING – this game has a habit of making hours fly by, so take a couple of days off to test it out.

Persona 3 (2010)

Persona 3 almost topped our list of the Best PSP RPGs for portable fantasy gaming. It has one of the greatest plotlines of any handheld game and makes all of the after school clubs you went to as a kid seem boring beyond belief!

Top Ten Must Have PSP RPGs

This game sees players taking part in an after-school organisation named the ‘Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad’. You must unlock the mysteries of the Dark Hour, a period between the end of one day and the beginning of the next where one can reach a world filled with evil monsters

That makes karate club look a bet wet in comparison, doesn’t it!

This game is an absolute belter from beginning to end and is and one of my favourite RPG titles for the console.

If you like mysterious, magical games such as Final Fantasy, then you’ll love Persona 3. The combat and social elements of the game are all well thought out and impeccably displayed, as are the game’s levels.

The PSP also lets you fight as a male or female protagonist which is a nice touch. Still, it’s down to your skills as a player and not your character’s gender to make those friendships and relationships that will ‘up’ your skills when fight time comes around!

Gran Turismo (2009)

Throwing bananas and blasting drivers with shells isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Sometimes you just need to put the pedal to the metal and burn some rubber around a track with other hardcore drivers, and that’s where Gran Turismo comes in.

I’m not gonna lie; GT is a gaming institution. I’ve spent so many hours flying around these tracks that I could probably do them in my sleep (I’d still be just as bad though!).

The PSP graphics are pretty nice to look at too, and all of the map and speed info is perfectly positioned so it doesn’t impede your view of the road ahead.

If you’re a driver that likes a lot of choices when you step into your garage, then you’ll be very happy with the 800 cars that you can choose from in Gran Turismo PSP.

If you take each car around one of the 35 tracks that are on offer you’ll have 28’000 different racing experiences – if that’s not value for money, then I don’t know what is.

Add customisation, multiplayer modes, and super-slick graphics and gameplay that should belong to a much bigger console, and you’ve suddenly got one of the best PSP games of all time in your hands.!

Patapon 3 (2011)

I’m going to be honest with you; I still don’t really know what’s going on Patapon 3. I love this game in the way that I loved Pikmin and Little Big Planet; it’s full of weird and wonderful little people (or Patapons for any hardcore fans out there) that have a tendency to get on my nerves, but that’s what makes the game so addictive and keeps me thinking about it for hours after I’ve put the console down.

This game starts where the last title left off, giving you a chance to cross the Rainbow Bridge and discover the secrets and hidden perils of a brand new land.

Can you remember Donkey Konga for the GameCube? Patapon 3 is a little like that, with the gameplay of Lemmings and the graphics of Viewtiful Joe.

The Patapons march in time to the drum beats that you play out by pressing the PSP face buttons, all the while moving towards battles with the seven evil arch-fiends in a 2D world filled with exciting obstacles and rich scenery that you might not expect from a side-scrolling game.

This Patapon title is definitely less confusing compared to some of its predecessors and mega fun once you get into the swing of things. The multiplayer is a nice addition too and great fun when you’re having a coffee break and trying to forget about the deadline for your best PSP games article…I better get moving!

Daxter (2006)

You can’t have a list of the best PSP games without including a member of the best Playstation duo of all time; Daxter.

Every console has one; Banjo Kazooie, Sonic Tails, Yooka Laylee, and of course, Jak Daxter. If you’re a fan of the previous Jak Daxter games, then this title is a must-have for your collection and one that you can’t live another second without!

Some of what follows might be a little confusing if you’ve never stepped into their world before, which means you should probably go back and rethink your life and drag out your Playstation immediately!

This time Daxter is going solo and working his way through the game as a bug exterminator while searching for his buddy, Jak.

The game also features ‘Gex – Enter The Gecko’ like scenes and levels where you step into a world inspired by a movie.

Enter The Matrix, Fellowship Of The Ring, and Raiders Of The Lost Ark all feature as unlockable levels where Daxter can show off his Hollywood skills before going on to defeat Kaedon and the Krimson Guard.

It’s a great game for players who like a good story to follow and a title that more than deserves to be in our list of the best PSP games of all time.

Loco Roco 2 (2008)

In at Number 11 on our list of the best PSP games is Loco Roco 2, a sequel to the original Loco Roco platform game that came out in 2006.

Now, some of you will undoubtedly be thinking that this game is a little high up in the rankings, but it’s one of those games like Pikmin that people of all ages and abilities can play.

And it’s one of those titles where it doesn’t matter how long you play for or whether your battery dies halfway through. It’s just fun to play!

Loco Roco 2 sees gamers once again taking control of a colourful planet filled with critters. You can use certain buttons to turn the planet and others to organise the Loco Roco as they move through the different areas.

Some of the world backgrounds will be familiar to players who enjoyed the first game, though there are lots of new abilities and characters in this popular sequel.

The Loco Roco can now swim underwater and squeeze through tiny crevices, along with lots of other exciting skills that you can uncover as the game goes along. Expect the same madness and vibrant adventures, with characters that you won’t soon forget in a hurry!

Valkyria Chronicles II (2010)

Sega rarely disappoints when it comes to games, and Valkyria Chronicles II is no exception. Gamers everywhere felt a sense of panic when the PS3 sequel was announced for the PSP, but they needn’t have worried.

This game stays true to the series and carries on from where Valkyria Chronicles left off perfectly. Set in 1939 E.C and two years after the second European War, this title revolves around a group of cadets from a military academy and their mission to prevent a bunch of rebels from carrying out a terrible ethnic cleansing plot.

V.C II is a little like the love child of Time Crisis and Final Fantasy combined. Shooting alone won’t get you to the end of the level; it takes cunning and planning to get through each of the levels unscathed.

All five classes and the original BLiTZ combat system feature from the original game, as well as new never-before-seen classes and abilities that you can discover as you progress through the game.

If you like the sound of a turn-based shoot-em-up that requires teamwork and a mind for strategy, then give Valkyria Chronicles II a bash!

Final Fantasy 7 – Crisis Core (2007)

I’ve mentioned it enough times already through this best PSP games article, so it’s about time that we spoke about Final Fantasy in greater detail.

Yes, Final Fantasy 7 – Crisis Core for the PSP is one of the greatest titles that we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing, and having such a well-known name and the accompanying rich and exciting fantasy realm that goes with it in the palm of your hands is something else entirely!

Crisis Core married role-playing features that we know and love from previous FF titles with real-time combat in open-world areas, usually kicking monster butt and generally being a boss with big weapons and magical abilities. What’s not to love.

Join SOLDIER’s very own Zack Fair as he makes his way through the Final Fantasy universe in search of fellow missing SOLDIER Genesis Rhapsodos while helping the Shinra war effort.

It’s a lot for one guy to take on, but you can gain help from other characters throughout the game and obtain Materia to upgrade abilities as you progress.

This game is set seven years before FF7 and ends just before the start of said game. It sold well over 3 million copies and has secured itself as one of the best PSP games of all time. I can’t describe how amazing this title is; just buy a copy, because you have to play it for yourself to believe it!

Grand Theft Auto – Vice City Stories (2006)

What is better than stealing cars, shooting bad guys, and generally being a bad-ass gangster while sitting on your sofa at home?

Doing all of the above on a bus, in the park, or on a plane; that’s what! Grand Theft Auto – Vice City Stories takes all of the best bits that we love from the console classic version and enhances them in a way that just shouldn’t be physically possible for such a small and technologically limited console like the PSP.

That’s not me being unkind; this console shouldn’t be able to do some of the things that it does, and one of them is to make games like Vice City Stories look so damn good and have so many smooth and well mapped out features.

Playing this game is an absolute joy, and I’m very pleased that the Retro Dodo team all agreed on its inclusion in our best PSP games list.

Vice City Stories is the tenth game in the GTA series and one of the last to use famous voices for its main characters.

This prequel to Vice City sees Gary Busey, Luis Guzmán, Philip Michael Thomas, and Danny Trejo reprise their roles from previous games for the very last time, making it a must-have for any nostalgic gamers who hold onto the past with a vice-like grip (see what I did there?).

Vice City Stories really shows what the PSP is capable of and is a feat of games engineering for this tiny portable console.

Syphon Filter – Logan’s Shadow (2007)

Up next in our list of the best PSP games is none other than Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow. This is the last title in the Syphon Filter series, and it both plays and looks like a home console title.

Sony has brought a lot of stealth-shooters to its various consoles over the years, and Syphon Filter was always one of my favourites. Enemies react realistically to gunfire too, providing users with a much more immersive adventure.

Players control Gabe Logan as they work their way through this third-person title. With new game mechanics such as improved strafing and blind firing around corners, it’s certainly one of the most advanced Syphon Filter games and one to end the series on a high!

If you’re a fan of Call of Duty or Splinter Cell, then Logan’s Shadow is definitely the game for you. Critics loved it back in the day, and we’re confident that you’ll find it hard to put down from the moment that you switch it on!

Secret Agent Clank (2008)

James Bond meets inspector gadget in the next title on our list of the best PSP games, and it’s another game that features a member of a famous duo going solo! If you’re into games like Banjo Kazooie and, of course, Ratchet and Clank, then you’ll be right at home with Secret Agent Clank.

This game combines all of the features and gameplay that you loved from the RC universe. It might be a spin-off, but it’s jam-packed full of familiar faces that you will encounter as the game goes on.

Whereas before when Ratchet was the main playable character and Clank was used to solve puzzles, our robotic secret agent friend now has the limelight and can be moved freely in an adventure of his own.

His tuxedo has a number of secret gadgets (just like our very own Mr Bond), that Clank can use on his quest, and rhythmic sections where the player has to press a series of buttons to sneak past enemies will test even the most advanced gamers skills.

You can also play as Ratchet and Captain Qwark, and the Gadgebots also make an appearance – looks like the whole gang is back together!

Castlevania – The Dracula X Chronicles (2007)

I was hooked on Castlevania when I bought it for my classic GameBoy, but having a colour version with kick-ass monsters and far richer environments to wander through trumps my old two-tone version every time!

Castlevania is one of those gaming titles that have and always will withstand the test of time, and Castlevania – The Dracula X Chronicles provides gamers with a solid adventure title in a world where nothing is as it seems.

The Dracula X Chronicles is a 2.5D remake of the classic title ‘Rondo of Blood’, where the player moves the one-and-only Richter Belmont through dungeons and grimy castle scenes in search of his beloved Annette.

Extra games can be unlocked as you progress through the story, but will you succeed in fulfiling the job that the Belmont Clan have set out to accomplish – killing the eternally powerful Dracula, who has a habit of resurrecting every time there’s a new Castlevania game.

It’s a gripping title from start to finish and one that definitely needs to be on every list of the best PSP games.

Kingdom Hearts – Birth By Sleep (2010)

Any game that features manga-style fighting characters and Mickey Mouse is going to rank highly because of its sheer absurdity, which is why Kingdom Hearts – Birth By Sleep takes the Number 4 spot!

This action RPG differs from other games of the same ilk due to its hack and slash qualities, making it a great title if you just want to let off a little bit of steam at the end of the day (or when you’re still trying to pretend that best PSP games deadline doesn’t exist – how am I supposed to get anything done if I keep playing all of these games!).

This game has so many Disney references and locations inside it that you might be forgiven for thinking that you were playing Castle Of Illusion (one of our best SEGA Game Gear games of all time!), and is a great title for anyone who might be new to gaming or a general RPG all-rounder.

Mickey stars as the ruler of Disney castle and a Keyblade apprentice to the sorcerer Yen Sid.

Donald and Goofy can be found in this game too, but the main stars are the other three people on the game case above; Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.

The story is far too complicated for me to explain in just a short paragraph, but you can expect a mysterious and colourful world made up from your favourite Disney locations such as the 100 Acre Wood, Neverland, and the Mysterious Tower from Fantasia (that place gave me nightmares).

Honestly, if you thought the concept of Patapon 3 was nuts, then give Kingdom Hearts a go. It’s so bizarre, but it works perfectly!

Tekken 6 (2009)

Every console needs a fighting franchise, but none will ever be as gnarly or as famous as Tekken.

Bigger stages with hidden areas that you can carry on fighting in are a new feature to Tekken 6, as well as customisable characters and the exciting new Rage system which causes more damage per hit. Just when you thought Tekken couldn’t get any better eh!

All of your favourite characters make a return for Tekken 6, including Yoshimitsu, Bryan Fury, Nina Williams and Raven.

Tekken will always be one of the best PSP games for its playability and the fact that it’s so easy to pick up and play.

Yes, it helps if you know how to do some of the special moves, but I’ve won plenty of battles by mashing any button insight while screaming a victory chant and chewing a sandwich all at the same time. If you’re gonna have a fighting game on a portable console, then make sure its Tekken.

Metal Gear Solid – Peace Walker (2010)

The last two titles on our list of the best PSP games were tough to place, but we had to make a well-rounded decision, and Metal Gear Solid – Peace Walker came in a very respectable second.

Every console has it’s key players; Link for Nintendo, Sonic for Sega, and in my opinion, Solid Snake and his papa Big Boss have always been the Playstation’s signature characters.

Sure, Spyro and Crash Bandicoot made their mark, but did they tie a Band around their heads and snoop around shooting bad guys like a super smooth mo-fo’s? No, they did not.

This action-adventure stealth shooter grips you from the very first cut scene and features many of the same features that made MGS4 such an incredible game.

Search held up soldiers, ‘shoot over shoulder’ camera view, and the ‘crouch walk’ all make a comeback, along with new features and customisable uniforms such as ‘Jungle Fatigue’ and ‘Sneaking Suit’.

If you ever played Mission Impossible on the N64 but wished it could be more like Goldeneye, then you’ll be all over Peace Walker like a Chuck Norris style rash. The only question is whether you’ll ever be able to put it down once you start playing!

God Of War – Ghost Of Sparta (2010)

It was a tough call, but the number one spot on our list of the best PSP games in our collections and indeed of all time goes to God Of War – Ghost Of Sparta.

This game has some of the best post-apocalyptic feels of any game we’ve ever played on a handheld and perfectly incorporates elements of Greek mythology into the mix.

Control Kratos and the Blades of Athena in this combo combat action-adventure game, battling minotaurs, gorgons, harpies and more. I’ve got chills just thinking about it!

This hack and slash title also features some pretty tricky puzzles that you need to overcome if you are to progress through the levels.

The bosses are big, the worlds are fantastic, and the gameplay is second to none. Will you unlock the Arms of Sparta and Thera’s Bane, or will the God Of Death overcome Kratos and stop him in his quest?

If you like your history with a mix of blood-thirsty battles and button-mashing fun, then Ghost Of Sparta should be in your PSP Disc Arsenal!

If you can’t get hold of a PSP, why not check out the Retro CM3, a handheld that can play PSP, PS1 games and even N64 games on the go!

How Many PSP Models Were Released?

In total there were four different PSP models. The first being the PSP 1000, the second being the PSP 2000, the third being… yep you guessed it the PSP 3000, and finally the PSP Go.

How Much Is A PSP?

Originally, when the PSP was released in March 2005, the console’s retail price was 249. Nowadays, you can pick one up for around 40 unboxed. But it all depends on the condition. If it’s boxed and sealed, expect to pay upwards of 500.

Which PSP is best for gaming?

Technically the best PSP for gaming would be the PS Vita, Sony’s flagship handheld device with impressive tech specs, a huge library and a gorgeous high resolution screen.

What would make your list of the best PSP games of all time? Did we miss out your favourite or include a rotten egg? Join the conversation on YouTube and Instagram!

This article may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase an item we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.

Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron. PSP Game

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Snoopy VS the Red Baron. Playstation Portable Game

Take to the skies as this iconic cartoon character faces off against his greatest rival.

Includes original game disc only. Complete option contains original game disc with manual in an original Sony PSP case with cover art.

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Useful Notes / Playstation Portable

Short story: You wouldn’t be wrong in christening the Playstation Portable (also known as the PSP) as a successful failure. It failed in the sense that it did not enable Sony to achieve their goal of stealing the handheld market from Nintendo who, in turn, went on to achieve dominance in the handheld space for the third time in a row. But it was a success, in that it still sold tens of millions of systems (selling nearly 80% as many systems as the Playstation). It was the closest anyone had ever come to presenting legitimate competition for Nintendo’s handhelds, and it featured a number of hit games — particularly in Japan, where a few Killer Apps led to the system getting a second lease of life in the latter half of its release cycle and becoming, at least locally, a real competitor for the Nintendo DS.

Long story: in 2004, Sony was riding high off the success of the Playstation and the ludicrous sales numbers the Playstation 2 bought them note Both of which put Sony on the top of two Console Wars. The PS1 shocked the console world upon its dethronement of Nintendo during the 5th console generation, and the PS2 outspoke the charming-yet-underperforming Nintendo GameCube, murdered the out-of-luck Sega Dreamcast, and held its own against the new kid on the block, the Xbox. Both Playstation systems would go on to sell out all their competitors in each generation combined by more than two to one and decided to get into the handheld market, confident they could replicate that level of success in this new arena. The gaming press were just as confident. It seemed like all the factors were in place for it to happen. Sony’s use of their proprietary, high-capacity note Upwards of 1.8 gigabytes of space if the disc was dual-layered Universal Media Discs (UMDs) versus Nintendo’s reliance on low-capacity cartridges for the DS; a more traditional, two-handed control scheme not dissimilar to that of a pre-DualShock Playstation Controller, versus the DS’s unconventional, often-stylus-and-button-centric inputs; several third-party developers onboard versus Nintendo’s largely skeleton-cast show; multimedia capabilities such as movies, television shows and music stored on UMD coupled with digital downloads through USB Mini connectivity; Playstation Network support following the launch of the Playstation 3, allowing for ad-hoc play to the larger system, access to the Playstation Store, and far greater processing power (which wasn’t the case with the two console systems, but still a touted factor) all contributed to the notion that success was written in the sky. It seemed like the PSP could become the leader in the handheld gaming market, and finally place itself upon a throne once held strong by Nintendo.

• The battery life wasn’t much better than that of other handheld challengers Nintendo had faced previously, lasting 6 hours max. While not as big of a problem as it was for older handhelds due to rechargeable batteries being more convenient than disposable ones, it still paled in comparison to the DS. and this was before factoring in the variable power draw from how often a given application utilized the optical drive. For example, playing a feature-length movie in full, off of a disc. in other words, having the optical drive constantly read data off of a continuously-spinning disc for upwards of two hours. could cut the battery life by upwards of one-third.
• Although discs proved to be superior to cartridges as the storage medium for home consoles, the format’s advantages were less pronounced on a handheld device, while its disadvantages were more so. While UMDs still offered higher capacity for developers to better execute just what they wanted to put on the system, the optical format resulted in comparatively longer loading times, louder system noise, more fragile components, and increased battery usage due to constant disc spinning, seeking, stopping, and spinning once more. Without the production volume of the established DVDs or CDs, the format didn’t have the huge cost differential that made discs preferable to cartridges in the 5th console generation (and beyond). Storage of multiple games was also made less efficient, due to each UMD disc being permanently encased in an outer shell, itself usually shipped in either a flimsy cardboard sleeve when bundled with a system, or in a tall plastic case if sold separately. Additionally, UMDs were less convenient to lug around due to the nature of being discs and also larger than DS carts. While both the system and discs supported Region Coding, only three PSP applications/games would make use of this feature (the Asian release of the Battlezone remake, as well as the Digital Comics eBook reader and Remote TV Viewer applications). As a means of combating potential piracy, all UMD movies were region coded, and couldn’t play on PSPs from a different region.
• Loading times aren’t as much of an issue with home consoles, where a player is usually settled in, intent on playing the game in question for a while. But handheld systems are often played here and there, on the go, in pails of time players are intent on quickly filling. Taking upwards of thirty seconds to load is a major downside under those circumstances. In the later models, Sony incorporated a method which considerably shortened loading times note (the addition of extra RAM, allowing games to selectively load data instead of strictly from the UMD) for compatible games. The system also has a sleep function to compensate for this difficulty, which saves the current memory-state for quick flick-on later.
• While the PSP received a couple Grand Theft Auto games early on that sold well, it didn’t have many other Killer Apps for some time and generally wouldn’t hit any impressive software sales figures. Meanwhile, the DS was quickly and constantly pumping out major successes; Nintendogs, Mario Kart DS, New Super Mario Bros., Brain Age, Animal Crossing: Wild World and Pokmon Diamond and Pearl all came out in the first couple years of the DS’s life and flew off store shelves. The DS’s library also had very wide casual appeal, which the PSP was severely lacking in. The PSP did later get sales boosts from system revisions and true killer apps like Monster Hunter Portable/Freedom in Japan, but those were well after the DS took off and after the PSP had lost any lead. note Now, to get really gritty about it, the PSP ultimately did post what would’ve been success numbers in Japan in any other circumstance. it ultimately sold nineteen million units in Japan, which actually did accomplish the original mission Sony set out to do, which was produce a system that would out-sell the Game Boy Advance, which it did by about 3 million units. The problem is, the DS ended up capturing the same lightning-in-a-bottle that the Game Boy did. it ended up selling thirty-three million units in Japan (which means it sold to just under a third of the population and, mathematically, must have been present in nearly every single household in Japan). The PSP was never designed to be a device with that kind of appeal, and never really had a shot at being that kind of success. Thus it failed to break Nintendo’s market dominance.
• Poor, often-tasteless advertising, a problem that also plagued the Playstation 3 at various points in its lifespan. Most infamously, it resulted in the PSP Squirrels television ads, which instantly garnered controversy due to perceived anti-black stereotyping via the titular characters’ portrayals, and the alliwantforxmasisaPSP.com fiasco, a botched attempt at a Viral Marketing/quasi-Augmented Reality campaign that, if anything, hurt the system just when it was starting to get some momentum back.
• Most important of all was the different FOCUS. Sony was convinced there was a handheld gaming ghetto. This meant that the smaller-scale games on handhelds were supposedly inferior to home console games. The PSP was an unsuccessful attempt to bring the sense of scale and level of production quality that were the hallmarks of home console gaming to portables, because handhelds simply couldn’t compete with consoles in those categories. This left developers scrambling to find a balance between the huge games of home consoles and the bite-sized style of gaming for portables, whereas Nintendo already had plenty of practice driving that golden spike. This mindset would carry over to the PS Vita and heavily contribute to its downfall.

Despite these issues, the PSP still saw financial success during its lifespan. As mentioned, it’s easily the most successful competitor to Nintendo’s handheld dominance and one of the highest-selling second-place systems of any console war. The final sales tally is believed to be somewhere around 80-82 million units, which potentially puts it slightly above the Game Boy Advance’s 81.51 million. Impressive considering that the PSP was Sony’s debut into a market that Nintendo effectively owned.

Firmware updates since its launch would increase the system’s capabilities, ranging from being able to play more file formats, to being able to organize media in folders, to PS3 remote play compatibility. In addition to this, later released UMD titles allowed portions of the game to be installed to the memory stick, reducing loading times and extending battery life.

However, in some countries, namely developing markets such as Morocco, the Philippines and India, the PSP was and still is the most successful handheld gaming device, where the absence of Pro Evolution Soccer and a 3D Grand Theft Auto title didn’t allow for the DS, and subsequently the Nintendo 3DS, to thrive. Additionally, the relative ease of using Custom Firmware (see below) allowed small shops to make a business of installing downloaded games into the PSP for a small price (about £0.50 or 0.70 each per game). One Filipino tech vlogger even recalled how the PSP was actually sought after more by picks in the country than the DS, which they apparently perceive more as a toy than a glorified, all-in-one media player.

over, as has been mentioned above, around the time that the system’s success was slowing down in other developed nations, in Japan, the system experienced a full-bloom renaissance, initially spearheaded by one specific game: Monster Hunter Portable/Freedom in 2005. The enhanced port of Monster Hunter G for the PS2 added local multiplayer, which proved to be the real missing element that Monster Hunter needed to become a legitimate social phenomenon, and future sales of the PSP would be heavily driven by Monster Hunter and its sequels. Once the system began establishing a real userbase, other developers took note and developed for it as well, because MHP had inadvertently proven something else: PSP development was rather similar to PS2 development in cost and labor scope. Many mid-size dev studios, or publishers with mid-size development houses attached, had been very hesitant to develop for the then-upcoming PS3 because of the ballooning costs for HD development in the mid and late Noughts. The PSP, with MHP as a proof-of-concept, proved to be an ideal platform for developers who knew and could handle a PS2-like workload and wanted to make a game more complicated than what the DS could handle but didn’t want to commit to HD development costs. As a result, Japanese software development for the PSP exploded in the wake of Monster Hunter Portable, and its software list from the latter half of its life cycle — 2007 or so onward — is a who’s-who of some of the greatest games of the entire Seventh Console Generation.

During its heyday, the PSP was also notable for a massive hacking and homebrew community. Custom firmware was easily installed as early as Japan’s launch model and opened a multitude of new ways to use the system’s advanced hardware, from running various emulators (up to the Game Boy Advance and PS1), browsing YouTube videos, reading eBooks, and even using a console as an IR Remote. A modified PSP was one of the most versatile and powerful portable devices of its time, long before modern smartphones entered the market. However, the scope and prominence of the hacking scene likely influenced Sony’s decision to use proprietary memory cards for its successor, the Vita.

Like many handhelds and Sony consoles, the PSP underwent several revisions over the years. The major one was the PSP Slim (or PSP-2000) in 2007, which slimmed the body, reduced the weight, simplified the UMD drive, introduced USB charging, and included a brighter LCD screen and a video out port that allowed it to play on TVs. In 2008 the minor Slim Lite revision (or PSP-3000) came along with a better LCD screen, a microphone and the ability to output component video note The main giveaway between the 2000 and 3000 is that the latter has pill-shaped buttons under the screen and a thinner ring on the UMD drive. It also has the word Sony on the left side, as the PS logo was moved to the Home Button. Finally, in 2011 Sony announced the PSP Street, a budget PSP that has a simple plastic finish, lacks a microphone and has mono speakers and a very simplified bottom button row. Interestingly, the Street’s UMD drive opens up the entire back shell of the device, rather than just where the UMD goes. It also has no Wi-Fi, meaning it cannot connect to the internet. This meant no Playstation Network, no Playstation Store, Digital Comics, Downloadable Music, TV Shows, Films, Games, and no means to play any of the aforementioned unless you had a UMD.

That exception aside, the PSP is capable of downloading retail titles available for it through Sony’s online storefront, as well as smaller games, video and Downloadable Content for existing games. Furthermore, a special incarnation of the PSP, 2009’s PSP Go, was specifically built around digital distribution, having no support for the UMD medium. Despite fears from older PSP owners, Sony insisted that the Go was never meant to replace the PSP. Response was lackluster at best, with reports that some stores wouldn’t even stock it. note One of the major US video-game-only retailers, GameStop/EB Games, makes a good portion of their money from reselling used games, and was naturally unimpressed with the system for this reason. Although they grudgingly sold the console in the end, they did not promote it. Up until the release of the Xbox One All-Digital Edition ten years later, the Go was the only console revision by the big three to be digital only, home or handheld. Many gamers and brick-and-mortar retailers hope it stays that way, for various reasons. note Interestingly, the PSP Go would use the Vita’s proprietary connection cable and use a rather limiting memory stick format, issues the Vita would later be criticized for.

Since the PSP was released in 2004, and Sony historically released new consoles every six years, by 2010 there was a storm of rumor and speculation over what would come next. The announcement didn’t hit until January 27, 2011. Sony’s new device, named the Playstation Vita, was released later that year. The Vita officially allows any PSP games sold on the PSN store to be played, along with PS1 and Mini games. Notably, the Henkaku system hack and Adrenaline custom firmware program allows the entire PSP operating system to be directly emulated on the Vita, enabling total PSP backwards compatibility on the Vita with all PSP hacks and other goodness conferred by this original environment available.

On July 2, 2021, the Playstation Store for the PSP was officially shut down. While the server sunset was originally intended for the PSP, PS3 and PS Vita collectively, fan backlash caused Sony to keep the latter two’s storefronts up, with only the PSP store getting taken down due to lack of demand for it. This allegedly rendered around 120 PSP-exclusive digital titles no longer obtainable in any legal capacity, although the storefront’s purchases list is still accessible for those who bought any of these titles.

Technical Specifications:

Processors

• The PSP is divided into 2 distinct SOC’s (System On A Chip) that contain a multitude of processors. The Tachyon SOC drives the core components of the system and the Lepton SOC for the Universal Media Disc drive. Parts of the Tachyon SOC would be reused in the Play Station Vita for backwards compatibility.
• The Tachyon SOC contains a custom MIPS R4000 32bit based CPU dubbed Allegrex with a variable clock speed of 33MHz to 333MHz. By default the system runs this at 222MHz although custom firmware and some later games can force it to 333MHz at the cost of a shorter battery life.

• Allegrex is based on the MIPS I ISA with branch instructions backported from MIPS II. Sony added a series of custom instructions dubbed the Allegrex Extended Instruction Set which adds features for arithmetic functions such as multiplication, bit-shifting, subtraction, min/maxing and interruption control. It also comes equipped with a 7 stage CPU pipeline for instructions, a 32KB L1 cache divided into 2 16KB blocks; One for instructions and one for data with a write back buffer cache and lastly a Memory Protection Unit or MPU which can map the physical hardware into the CPUs memory space and act as a form of security to only allow software to access specific memory regions.
• Allegrex also comes equipped with 2 co-processors, in particular a 32bit Floating Point Unit dubbed CP1 which handles arithmetic operations using 32bit based decimal values. CP1 also has its own 8 stage CPU pipeline to allow rudimentary parallelism. The other co-processor is a Vector Floating Point Unit dubbed CP2 with its own custom ISA and a 128bit data bus with variable CPU pipeline. This is very similar to the macromode found in the Playstation 2 and its own Vector Processing Unit.

• Developers do not have explicit access to the Media Engine block directly. Sony obfuscated this through a series of complex API calls and software libraries shipped with the SDK.

Memory

• The original PSP-1000 shipped with 32MB of Double Data Rate SDRAM. Starting with the PSP-2000 revision this was doubled to 64MB to allow games to have reduced loading times by using aggressive caching from the UMD. Some homebrew software may require 64MB and thus will not work on the original PSP-1000.

• 8MB of this RAM is reserved at all times for the kernel and operating system.
• Development kits came with 64MB by default. However, Sony restricted developers to only use 32MB for software in order to maintain compatibility with the original PSP-1000.

• The PSP GO comes with 16GB of NAND flash memory to act as internal storage for games and save data.

• The System Group Allegrex CPU can access this memory, although doing so is rather slow.

• Later games allowed users to install parts of or the entire game to the Memory Stick to heavily reduce loading times due its faster read/write speed.

• The PSP Go forgoes this format for a new variant dubbed the Memory Stick M2, which has the same limitations but in a Micro SD card sized package. However, unlike the previous formats the M2 format only received a 16GB card as the highest capacity. This format was a commercial failure for Sony and was discontinued barely a few months after the PSP GO was released. Sony later repurposed this format again for the Play Station Vita and its own memory card format.

Graphics Display

• The PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP-E1000 use a 4.3-inch 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 480 x 272 capable of 24bit color depth of up to 16,777,216 colors. The PSP-3000 replaced the TFT screen with a redesigned variant that increases the field of view and extra levels of brightness. However, some users found the redesigned screen had more visible scanlines which was a deterrent to some.

• The PSP GO comes with a slightly smaller 3.8 inch screen but runs at the same resolution as other models.

• Thanks to the included Vector Unit on the Surface Engine the PSP can do both software and partial hardware rendering to address a design flaw and common complaint of the Playstation 2 and its own Graphics Synthesizer sub-system.

• The Surface Engine uses a series of display lists sent from the main Allegrex CPU and the two can work in tandem using deferred rendering in either a double buffer or store control format via DMA to prevent stalling of either processor.

• A sizeable number of these features were inherited from the PS2 and its own graphics pipeline. Unlike the PS2 these functions are now hardware functions rather than software only rendering functions. The similarities also allows developers to port software from one system to the other with greater ease.

Battery Life Accessories

• The PSP-1000 models have a 3.6V 1800mAh battery, which can be upgraded officially to a 3.6V 2200mAh battery. Typical battery life is 4-6 hours depending if a game or UMD Video is playing. Later models used a 3.6V 1200 mAh battery; however, due to using more energy-efficient components, the PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP-E1000 series models had roughly the same battery life as the original 1000 series, and older battery packs will work with the newer models. The PSP Go uses a 3.7V 930 mAH battery pack not officially intended to be user-replaceable; however, the battery is not soldered to the logic board.

• Users wishing to purchase a PSP should check if the battery is present and in good health. Over time the batteries internal cells bloat with lack of use and age causing physical damage to the housing and potentially short or damage the system in extreme cases. There are third party replacement batteries although your mileage may vary on their lifespan and build quality.

• The PSP GO replaced this with its own proprietary connector.

• The PSP-E1000 removed Wi-Fi preventing it from playing online or any local multiplayer games.

• The PSP-GO has this function as well, but requires different cables and its own dock due to its proprietary connector.
• A third party company released the LKV-8000 which allows the PSP to output to HDMI using a converter. It also includes a zoom function as the PSP’s small resolution would barely fit a high definition screen.

Games/Series:

• 7th Dragon 2020
• 7th Dragon 2020-II

• Ace Combat: Joint Assault

• Ape Escape P (also known as Ape Escape: On the Loose)
• Ape Academy (also known as Ape Escape Academy)
• Ape Academy 2
• Ape Quest

• Armored Core: Formula Front
• Armored Core 3 Portable
• Silent Line: Amored Core Portable
• Armored Core: Last Raven Portable

• Crimson Gem Saga

• ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin’ Trails

• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Portable
• BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II
• BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend

• Bleach: Heat the Soul 2
• Bleach: Heat the Soul 3
• Bleach: Heat the Soul 4
• Bleach: Heat the Soul 5
• Bleach: Heat the Soul 6
• Bleach: Heat the Soul 7

• Burnout Legends
• Burnout Dominator

• Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles

• Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (as an Embedded Precursor)
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (as an Updated Re-releaseEmbedded Precursor; the original PS1 version is also available standalone on PSN)

• ClaDun X2

• Class of Heroes 2

• Coded Arms Contagion

• Great Battle Fullblast

• Battle Dodgeball 3

• Corpse Party: Book of Shadows

• Crash Tag Team Racing
• Crash of the Titans
• Crash: Mind Over Mutant

• Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc note Japanese version only. This game and its sequel (below) were released in North America after its Updated Re-release to the Vita, so the version given to those territories is based off that version.
• Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

• Death Jr.: Roots of Evil

• Riviera: The Promised Land
• Yggdra Union

• Blaze Union
• Gloria Union

• Digimon World Re:Digitize
• Digimon Adventure

• Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness

• Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
• Disgaea Infinite

• Prinny 2: Dawn of the Operation Panties, Dood!

• Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai

• Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai. Another Road

• Dungeon Maker II: The Hidden War

• Dynasty Warriors Vol. 2
• Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce
• The Earth Defense Force 2 Portable (an Updated Re-release from the Playstation 2 game)
• echochrome
• Every Extend Extra
• Exit
• The Eye of Judgment: Legends
• Fate Series:

• Fate/EXTRA

• Fate/EXTRA CCC

• Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
• Dissidia Final Fantasy

• Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

• God of War: Chains of Olympus
• God of War: Ghost of Sparta

• God Eater
• God Eater 2

• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

• Guilty Gear Judgment
• Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus

• Gundam Vs Series:

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Alliance vs ZAFT Portable
• Gundam vs Gundam
• Gundam vs Gundam NEXT PLUS

• SD Gundam G Generation Portable
• SD Gundam G Generation World
• SD Gundam G Generation Overworld

• Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon
• Harvest Moon: Boy and Girl
• Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley

• Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA
• Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA 2nd
• Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA extend

• Hayarigami
• Hayarigami 2
• Hayarigami 3

• Hysteria Project 2
• I.Q. Mania
• Ice Age
• The Impossible Game
• Impossible Mission
• Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings
• Infected
• Invizimals

• Invizimals: Shadow Zone
• Invizimals: The Lost Tribes

• Iron Man
• Iron Man 2

• Daxter
• Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

• All Kamen Rider Generations 2
• Kamen Rider Climax Heroes OOO, Fourze, and Wizard

• The Legend of Heroes: Gagharv Trilogy
• The Legend of Heroes. Trails

• The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky
• The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero and Trails to Azure

• LocoRoco 2

• The Lord of the Rings: Tactics
• The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest

• Lumines 2
• Machi
• Macross Frontier Trilogy
• Madagascar
• Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s Portable: The Battle of Aces

• Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s Portable: The Gears of Destiny

• Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy

• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

• Mega Man (Classic):

• Mega Man Powered Up

• Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X

Top 10 PSP RPGS (Check out the description)

• Rockman DASH 1 2

• Metal Gear Ac!d

• Metal Gear Ac!d 2

• Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus

• Metal Slug Anthology
• Metal Slug XX

• Monster Hunter Freedom
• Monster Hunter Freedom 2

• Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

• Need for Speed: Underground Rivals
• Need for Speed: Most Wanted 5-1-0
• Need for Speed: Carbon Own the City
• Need for Speed: ProStreet
• Need for Speed: Undercover
• Need for Speed: Shift

• Pac-Man Championship Edition
• Pac-Man World 3
• Pac-Man World Rally

• Patapon
• Patapon 2
• Patapon 3

• pop’n music portable 2

• Prince of Persia: Revelations
• Prince of Persia: Rival Swords
• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

• Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice

• Puyo Puyo Fever
• Puyo Puyo Fever 2
• Puyo Puyo! 15th Anniversary
• Puyo Puyo 7
• Puyo Puyo!! 20th Anniversary
• Ragnarok Tactics
• Rainbow Islands Evolution

• Rainbow Islands Revolution

• Ratchet Clank: Size Matters
• Secret Agent Clank

• Ridge Racer 2

• Sakura Wars (1996)
• Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die

• Shining Hearts
• Shining Blade
• Shining Ark

• Devil Summoner
• Persona:

• Persona
• Persona 2. Innocent Sin Eternal Punishment (Japan exclusive)
• Persona 3 Portable

• Shrek Smash N’Crash Racing
• Shrek the Third

• SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 2
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo 3
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Tactical Strike

• Sonic Rivals 2

• Space Invaders: Evolution
• Space Invaders Extreme

• Blazing Souls Accelate

• Spider-Man 2
• Spider-Man 3
• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. Amazing Allies Edition

• Star Ocean: First Departure
• Star Ocean: Second Evolution

• Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)

• Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
• Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron

• Super Robot Wars A Portable
• Super Robot Wars MX Portable
• Super Robot Wars Z2: Hakai-hen and Saisei-hen
• Super Robot Wars OG Saga: Masou Kishin 2: Revelation of Evil God
• Super Robot Wars OE

• Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
• Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow

• Taiko no Tatsujin Portable
• Taiko no Tatsujin Portable 2
• Taiko no Tatsujin Portable DX

• Tales of Eternia
• Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology

• Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2
• Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 3

• Tekken: Dark Resurrection
• Tekken 6

• Tenchu: Shadow Assassins

• Tokimeki Memorial: Forever with you
• Tokimeki Memorial 4
• Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side Premium ~3rd Story~

• Tomb Raider: Legend
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary