While the PlayStation Portable is known for a handful of standout hits, it’s also home to many underappreciated classics. Some of the best PSP games weren’t massive commercial hits but offered exceptional gameplay, rich stories, or innovative pianototo mechanics that quietly pushed handheld gaming forward. These titles might not have received the same spotlight as Crisis Core or God of War: Chains of Olympus, but they still deserve a place in the pantheon of great PlayStation games.

Take Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG by Level-5 that reimagined French history through fantasy. It boasted deep strategy, gorgeous art, and a story that was surprisingly emotional. Despite its quality, it flew under the radar. Similarly, Pursuit Force delivered intense, high-speed action in a genre-blending experience that combined driving, shooting, and on-foot combat. It was ahead of its time and remains thrilling even today.

Another gem, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, offered one of the deepest strategy systems ever built into a handheld title. It combined complex branching narratives with challenging gameplay, making it one of the best PSP games for RPG fans. Even lighter titles like Mega Man Powered Up and LocoRoco 2 brought vibrant creativity to the platform, showing that the PSP was more than just a technical powerhouse—it was a creative sandbox for all kinds of developers.

As modern gamers revisit PSP libraries through digital stores and emulators, these forgotten titles are experiencing a revival. They serve as a reminder that even in a competitive market, some of the most rewarding PlayStation games can be found outside the spotlight. The PSP’s legacy isn’t just about its hits—it’s also about the risks that paid off, even if only a few noticed at the time.