The PSP may have had its spotlight stolen by home consoles like the PS3 and PS4, but its library includes some hidden gems that stand shoulder to shoulder with the best games of their time. While blockbusters like “God of War” hulk138 and “Final Fantasy” often dominate discussions about PlayStation games, the PSP quietly cultivated a lineup of underrated masterpieces that deserve recognition. These games not only showcase the potential of handheld gaming but also reflect the creative risks developers took with the platform.

Take “Jeanne d’Arc,” for example—a tactical RPG developed by Level-5 that combines French history with fantasy storytelling. Its brilliant mechanics, emotional storytelling, and polished visuals made it one of the best games on the system, yet it flew under the radar for many players. Another title, “LocoRoco,” offered a unique and whimsical platforming experience that emphasized motion and sound over combat, standing out even among other PlayStation games for its originality and charm.

Titles like “The Warriors,” based on the cult-classic film, delivered an intense and gritty beat-em-up experience, proving that PSP games could handle mature themes and complex gameplay just as effectively as their console counterparts. Meanwhile, “Valhalla Knights” and “Blade Dancer” offered RPG fans deep customization and world-building rarely seen on handhelds at the time. These games may not have sold millions of copies, but they represent the PSP’s versatility and depth.

One reason these gems were overlooked was timing. Many released late in the PSP’s lifecycle or without much marketing. Still, they’ve developed cult followings over the years and are now being re-evaluated thanks to fan communities and digital re-releases. These titles offer a treasure trove of gameplay for anyone seeking to explore beyond the usual “best games” lists. They stand as a reminder that some of the most memorable PlayStation games weren’t always the biggest names—they were the ones that dared to do something different.

For players today, diving into these underrated PSP games can be an eye-opening experience. It’s a chance to see how creative and daring developers could be when freed from the expectations of AAA console titles. The PSP was a playground for innovation, and its forgotten classics are proof that some of the best games can be found where you least expect them.