While the PSP may no longer be a part of Sony’s current hardware strategy, its influence can still be felt in many modern PlayStation games. When the PlayStation Portable launched, it was met with both excitement and skepticism. オンカジ Could Sony really deliver a handheld that could offer experiences on par with console gaming? As it turns out, the answer was a resounding yes, and the PSP went on to feature some of the best games of its generation—many of which laid the groundwork for what PlayStation games would later become.
Titles like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker introduced gameplay systems that would later be expanded in Metal Gear Solid V. Similarly, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII served as a precursor to more recent reimaginings of the Final Fantasy franchise. Even the visual and audio capabilities of the PSP exceeded expectations, allowing developers to be bold and experimental. The device became a playground for innovation, offering everything from large-scale RPGs to rhythm games and platformers, all of which rivaled their console counterparts in depth and design.
One of the key successes of PSP games was their ability to retain the soul of console titles while adapting mechanics to a more compact format. Players were not limited to mini-games or watered-down experiences—instead, they had access to full-fledged adventures. This philosophy has carried over to modern PlayStation games, where the emphasis is placed on delivering comprehensive, satisfying content regardless of platform. The PSP also introduced younger audiences to PlayStation IPs in accessible ways, fostering brand loyalty that still exists today.
Modern PlayStation games often pay homage to their portable predecessors. Whether it’s through remasters, backward compatibility, or game mechanics, the DNA of the PSP can be found in many of today’s best games. For example, Patapon and LocoRoco, originally beloved PSP games, have been re-released on modern consoles with updated graphics. The continued relevance of these games proves just how influential the PSP was in shaping the future of PlayStation’s approach to game design.
Though discontinued, the PSP’s legacy lives on. The lessons learned from that handheld era—how to blend innovation with accessibility, how to bring high-caliber gameplay to a compact device—have had lasting impacts. It’s no surprise that some of the best games on PlayStation consoles owe a debt to their portable predecessors. The PSP may be gone, but its spirit still powers the PlayStation brand.