While many discussions about PSP games focus on blockbuster hits like God of War: Chains of Olympus or Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the handheld’s library is rich with underrated gems that never received the attention they deserved. These titles may not have topped sales charts, but they delivered unique gameplay, beautiful art, and experimental ideas that helped define what portable gaming could achieve. In a sea of impressive PSP games, some of the best remain hidden below the surface.

One such title is Jeanne d’Arc, a tactical RPG that blended history and fantasy in an elegant and accessible package. Situs Poker Developed by Level-5, this game featured an intuitive combat system and a compelling story rooted in French folklore. It never achieved mainstream recognition, but for fans of strategy and storytelling, it remains one of the best PSP games ever created. It’s proof that innovation often flies under the radar in the gaming world.

Another overlooked gem is Pangya: Fantasy Golf, which reimagined the sport with anime-style visuals and RPG-like progression. While it may seem niche, the game found a passionate following thanks to its tight controls and charming presentation. It was accessible for casual players but deep enough to satisfy seasoned gamers. PSP games like this showed that the system could support both mainstream titles and quirky, genre-blending experiences.

Then there’s Patapon, a rhythm-based strategy game that combined music, action, and army management in a way that had never been seen before. Its visual style was simple yet bold, and its gameplay was both addictive and challenging. Despite critical acclaim, it often gets left out of discussions about the best PSP games, which is a shame considering its influence and creativity. It carved out a genre niche all its own.

Killzone: Liberation is another underrated title, delivering tactical shooter mechanics in an isometric format that worked brilliantly on the PSP’s control scheme. It took a risk by deviating from the first-person format of its console siblings, but the result was a refined, thoughtful game that stood on its own merits. For fans of action games looking for depth, it remains a standout among PSP games.

The PSP’s catalog is full of these types of games—well-crafted, lovingly designed experiences that simply didn’t benefit from large marketing budgets or mainstream exposure. Many are still available via emulation or digital re-releases, and revisiting them today highlights just how strong the platform was during its peak. For those willing to explore beyond the obvious choices, the PSP offers a treasure trove of the best games many have never played.