While the PlayStation brand had already become a household name by the mid-2000s, cendanabet the PSP offered a new way for fans to interact with their favorite franchises. Rather than rely solely on ports or remasters, developers created original entries designed specifically for the PSP’s capabilities. This approach led to inventive and often surprising results, showing that handheld games could stand alongside their console siblings.

A prime example is Resistance: Retribution, which didn’t just recycle gameplay from the PS3 shooters but instead offered a third-person perspective, unique storylines, and full online multiplayer. It kept the spirit of the Resistance series while delivering a fresh experience tailored to the PSP. For many fans, it ranks as one of the best games in the series, thanks to its innovation and tight design.

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier also took risks by introducing aircraft combat and different pacing compared to its console counterparts. These changes allowed the game to stand out in the series while still feeling familiar. It was the kind of creative freedom that only a handheld console like the PSP could encourage, giving fans more diverse ways to engage with beloved characters.

Such entries weren’t filler—they were foundational. These PlayStation games were legitimate expansions of existing IPs, and they demonstrated how the PSP could evolve a franchise, not just support it. In doing so, Sony proved that handheld gaming could be just as bold and inventive as any living room experience.