While the PlayStation Portable is fondly remembered for big names like Crisis Core and God of War, its catalog was full of lesser-known titles that brought just as much joy and creativity. These hidden gems may not have topped the sales situs toto charts, but they captured something essential about what made the PSP special: the freedom to experiment and the ability to surprise. For those willing to dig deeper, some of the best PSP games are the ones you might have missed.

One such overlooked treasure is The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, a deep and emotional RPG with a slow-burning story and strategic turn-based combat. It never became a household name, but those who played it still praise its world-building and character arcs to this day. Then there’s OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast, a stylish racing game that mixed arcade fun with technical precision, offering a driving experience that felt ahead of its time.

Another standout is Killzone: Liberation, a PSP-exclusive that reimagined a major franchise in an isometric view. Instead of just shrinking the console gameplay, it created something entirely new. This approach wasn’t uncommon on the PSP—developers often rethought how their games could function in a portable setting. That risk-taking gave birth to uniquely handheld experiences that didn’t feel like second-tier versions of console games.

Rediscovering these titles today isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about recognizing the PSP’s role in giving developers creative freedom and players diverse experiences. Many of these games still feel fresh, offering mechanics and ideas that hold up even in today’s gaming landscape. If you want to explore the PSP beyond the greatest hits, these underrated games are a perfect place to start.