When the PSP launched, it was seen as a bold move—Sony’s first entry into handheld gaming, and a direct challenge to Nintendo’s long-held dominance. But in hindsight, the PSP wasn’t just a competitor—it was a preview of where gaming was going. Many of its best games and features anticipated future trends that would become central to modern gaming, making it one of the most forward-thinking devices of its time.

Killzone: Liberation, for example, introduced cover-based shooting mechanics on a handheld, offering fluid combat Domino88 Live Chat and top-tier visuals. Its tactical approach would go on to influence later portable shooters and showed that handheld games could deliver serious action. Meanwhile, Phantasy Star Portable embraced online co-op in ways that foreshadowed today’s obsession with social multiplayer and loot-based progression.

The PSP also leaned into multimedia long before it was common. It allowed players to download games, watch movies, and listen to music—a full media hub in your pocket. This level of versatility predated the multifunctionality of smartphones and the digital storefront dominance that now defines game distribution. The PSP Go, despite its flaws, was essentially a precursor to the all-digital console model.

Even the art direction and experimental tone of games like LocoRoco and Patapon suggested a shift toward indie-style innovation—well before “indie games” became a massive part of the industry. In many ways, the PSP was ahead of its time. And its best games weren’t just impressive for the hardware—they were prophetic.