The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was a landmark handheld gaming console when it first launched in 2004. With its sleek design, large screen, and powerful hardware, the PSP quickly became popular for its ability to deliver close-to-console quality gaming on the go.
Now, even though the PSP is discontinued, you can still play all your favorite PSP games through emulation on modern devices. PSP emulators allow you to play PSP games on your PC, Android, iOS, and other platforms. This opens up new ways to enjoy classic PSP titles.
In this article, we highlight the 10 best PSP emulator games that are worth your time in 2023. From action-packed adventures to sports simulators, the PSP has a game for everyone. Let's dive in!
Introduction to Best PSP Emulator Games
The PSP was Sony's first handheld gaming console to use optical media, specifically proprietary UMD discs. This allowed for better graphics, more storage, and faster loading times compared to cartridge-based portables.
Over its lifetime, the PSP amassed an excellent library of games. There are iconic exclusives, creative new IPs, and excellent ports of popular console franchises. Due to the PSP's widescreen display and dual analog sticks, it was perfectly suited for 3D games.
Now with PSP emulation, you can play these titles on modern computers, phones, and tablets. Emulators like PPSSPP provide upscaling, rendering improvements, and customizable controls. This makes playing PSP games better than ever.
Here are the 10 best PSP emulator games that hold up great even today.
1. God of War - Ghost of Sparta
The God of War series debuted on the PS2 as a gory, cinematic action game based on Greek mythology. God of War: Ghost of Sparta is a crucial, canon entry in the series that fleshes out the story of the protagonist Kratos.
You once again play as the fierce Spartan warrior Kratos. This prequel story has Kratos exploring his origins and seeking to rescue his imprisoned brother Deimos. Slashing mythical beasts with your Blades of Athena feels just as brutal as the console games.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta replicates the cinematic style of the PS2 games with epic set pieces. Quick time events add drama to boss fights and puzzles challenge your wits. This exclusive PSP entry has the same high quality as the flagship console releases.
Features:
- Combat focused hack-and-slash gameplay
- New weapons like the Spear and Shield add variety
- Magic abilities like Poseidon's Rage and Army of Hades
- Epic set pieces and boss fights
- Prequel story explores Kratos' backstory
- Excellent graphics showcase the PSP's capabilities
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2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
The Grand Theft Auto series exploded in popularity with Grand Theft Auto III and its leap into 3D open world design. Vice City Stories is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, set two years earlier in 1984.
You play as Victor Vance, a soldier who gets discharged from the army and starts building a criminal empire in Vice City. The open world gameplay involves driving, shooting, and melee combat. The empire building system also adds a layer of strategy.
Vice City Stories retains the distinction of being the last GTA game built specifically for PSP. The visuals and mechanics capture the look and feel of PS2-era GTA titles. For fans of retro GTA gameplay, Vice City Stories is a must-play.
Features:
- Huge open world set in 1980s Vice City
- Mix of driving, shooting, melee combat
- Empire building system to take over businesses
- Infinite possibilities for causing mayhem
- 1980s atmosphere with music and culture
- Prequel storyline of how the Vice City empire began
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3. Spider-Man 3
While the Spider-Man 3 movie was a messy letdown, its tie-in PSP game delivers fun Spidey action. Spider-Man 3 lets you freely swing around Manhattan and beat up thugs and supervillains.
The game's combat and traversal mechanics still hold up. Stringing together air combos, ground pounds, and web attacks is very satisfying. The game also has quieter moments where you can explore the city and complete side activities.
Of course, Spider-Man 3 also adapts the movie's storyline. This involves battling Sandman, Venom, and other classic foes. Putting on the black symbiote suit even gives you a power boost. While rushed in parts, Spider-Man 3 is still one of the best PSP superhero games.
Features:
- Swing freely through huge Manhattan city map
- Pull off new combat moves and air tricks
- Defeat bosses like Sandman, Venom, Green Goblin
- Wear the black symbiote suit for more aggression
- Explore inside buildings for side activities
- Unlock costumes and concept art
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4. Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines
Assassin's Creed reinvented the action genre with its parkour movement and stealth kills. Bloodlines adapts the first game's medieval assassin gameplay to the PSP. The result is a portable Assassin's Creed experience that retains the core mechanics.
You once again take control of Altaïr, member of the secret assassin Brotherhood in the Holy Land. Bloodlines fits into the storyline between the first two games. Altaïr must eliminate Templar agents in Cyprus and learn more about their plans.
Bloodlines nails the satisfying parkour traversal and stealthy take-downs that define Assassin's Creed. The PSP's controls actually improve aspects like throwing knives. While the visuals and environments are downgraded, the gameplay maintains the spirit of the franchise.
Features:
- Stealthily assassinate targets with hidden blade
- Parkour platforming to traverse cities quickly
- Counter enemy attacks and kill streaks
- Investigate and complete side missions
- Memorable cities like Limassol and Kyrenia to explore
- Fits into AC storyline between AC1 and AC2
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5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
The original God of War kicked off an acclaimed action series on PS2. Chains of Olympus is a full-fledged prequel chapter exclusive to PSP. This handheld epic helped cement Kratos as one of PlayStation's most popular characters.
Chains of Olympus has Kratos battling mythological forces that threaten the gods. The combo-based combat is satisfyingly gory, especially executing stunned foes. Platforming and puzzles provide variety between fight scenes.
As a technical showpiece, Chains of Olympus proves the PSP could handle 3D visuals nearly on par with PS2. The fluid combat and cinematic presentation match the high standards of the console series. It remains one of the most impressive PSP exclusives.
Features:
- Combat and magic just like the console games
- Mythical boss fights with creatures like Basilisk
- Puzzles and platforming to break up the action
- Upgrade weapons and magic abilities
- Prequel story reveals more of Kratos' past
- Impressive graphics push the PSP's capabilities
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6. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Liberty City Stories was the first 3D entry in the Grand Theft Auto series made specifically for portable gaming. This unique origin alone makes it an important PSP release. Thankfully, the open world action also retains the GTA charm.
The game is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto III, set in the same Liberty City location but three years earlier. You play as Toni Cipriani engaging in jobs for the Leone mafia family. Driving, shooting, and exploring the city will feel familiar to GTA fans.
Liberty City Stories scales down the console gameplay for PSP without losing the core fun. The storyline, radio stations, and crime-filled world capture that distinct GTA atmosphere. It set the standard for handheld open world experiences.
Features:
- Classic open world GTA mayhem in Liberty City
- Shootouts, car chases, melee combat
- Radio stations with catchy licensed music
- Interesting characters and criminal underworld storyline
- Side activities like taxi driving and ambulance missions
- Customize outfits and cars
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7. FIFA 14
Modern FIFA games feature increasingly realistic graphics and simulation gameplay. But FIFA 14 for PSP is still a great pick-up-and-play soccer game that holds up in 2023. The simplified controls and presentation run smoothly on handheld.
FIFA 14 includes licensed players, kits, and clubs from top leagues around the world. The management modes have enough depth for veterans. And the controls are responsive enough for jump-in matches.
While it lacks the complex physics and detailed presentation of newer FIFA titles, FIFA 14 plays a smooth, enjoyable game of soccer on the go. For quick soccer action, it's a better retro option than more recent handheld FIFA games.
Features:
- Licensed players, teams, kits, and stadiums
- Responsive controls for matches
- Management mode for transfers and strategy
- Local and online multiplayer
- Ultimate Team mode to build your dream squad
- Simulation gameplay with some arcade elements
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8. Dragon Ball Z - Shin Budokai 2
The Dragon Ball Z fighting games do a stellar job of recreating high-speed anime action. Shin Budokai 2 brings DBZ battles to PSP with a brand new future timeline storyline.
Kid Buu is revived in Future Trunks' timeline and it's up to heroes like Gohan, Trunks, and the Z Fighters to stop him. The "what if" story and ending choices add replayability.
Of course, the real highlight here is using your favorite DBZ characters to pull off powerful Ki attacks and lightning-fast teleporting combos. It retains enough complexity for fighting game enthusiasts while also being accessible for DBZ fans.
Features:
- Fast-paced 3D fighting in Dragon Ball universe
- Ki attacks, teleporting, transformations
- New future timeline story with choices
- Play as heroes like Gohan, Trunks, Vegeta
- Signature moves and abilities for each fighter
- Combo-based combat system
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9. Tekken 6
Tekken stands as one of the longest-running 3D fighting game franchises. Tekken 6 continued the series' tradition of intricate, hard-hitting martial arts combat on home consoles. Remarkably, the PSP version captures nearly all of that gameplay depth.
32 Tekken fighters bring their unique movesets and combos to PSP. The solo Scenario Campaign mode provides a story experience from a different gameplay angle. The pre-fight customization also allows you to tailor fighters to your playstyle.
For a handheld game, the character models, animations, and backgrounds are impressively detailed. This is especially true once you see the fighters pulling off pop-up blows in slow motion. Tekken 6 truly impresses as a handheld fighting game.
Features:
- Intricate fighting mechanics and combo system
- Huge playable roster of fighters
- Customize characters' movesets and appearance
- Cinematic slow-motion effects on big blows
- Scenario campaign provides solo story mode
- Local and online versus multiplayer
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10. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
Before becoming branded simply as "WWE 2K," the SmackDown vs. Raw series provided over-the-top wrestling action. SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is one of the most content-packed entries thanks to its Universe mode and Creation tools.
Universe mode sets up storylines and schedules matches between Wrestlers as if managing your own Wrestling promotion. Creation modes let you make your own wrestlers, entrances, finishers, and more. There are also online play and co-op Season modes.
SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 features one of the largest playable WWE rosters yet. Match types like Hell in a Cell and Triple Threat provide gameplay variety. If you miss the AKI-style wrestling games on N64, SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is the closest you'll get.
Features:
- Massive WWE roster with popular wrestlers
- Matches like Hell in a Cell and Ladder matches
- Universe mode books matches like real WWE shows
- Creation tools for wrestlers, moves, and more
- Co-op and competitive multiplayer modes
- Over-the-top wrestling spectacle
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Final Thoughts on the Best PSP Emulator Games
The PSP was a remarkable achievement for portable gaming thanks to its powerful specs and dual analog controls. These features allowed near-console quality 3D games across many genres. Action games thrived on the PSP thanks to the controls.
Emulators like PPSSPP now let you re-experience and upscale PSP games on PC and mobile. Creativity didn't stop on PSP either - there are still active homebrew development communities producing new titles.
God of War, Grand Theft Auto, and other major PlayStation franchises received excellent exclusive PSP games that expanded their worlds and gameplay. There are also many great PSP versions of popular console and arcade games like FIFA, Tekken, and WWE wrestling.
With so many genres covered, there is a top-quality PSP game out there for any player. Try out any of these 10 best PSP emulator games for an entertaining handheld gaming blast from the past.