For many gamers, the early 2000s marked a golden era of PlayStation games. With the rise of the violin88 PS2 and later the PSP, Sony solidified itself as a dominant force in both console and handheld markets. This period saw the release of some of the best games ever created—titles that are still referenced, replayed, and revered decades later. What set this era apart wasn’t just the volume of great games, but the sheer creativity and risk-taking that defined them.

The PS2, still one of the best-selling consoles of all time, played host to an unprecedented variety of PlayStation games. From the epic saga of Final Fantasy X to the quirky brilliance of Katamari Damacy, the system offered something for every taste. Developers were bold, experimental, and unafraid to push boundaries. This confidence translated into some of the most enduring franchises we still enjoy today, and many of these titles are often cited among the best games in history.

In the same breath, the PSP was making waves of its own. As a companion device to the home consoles, it brought franchises into a portable format with grace and ingenuity. The best PSP games weren’t just spin-offs—they were canon experiences that enriched their parent series. Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, for instance, is considered a key part of the Metal Gear timeline and featured gameplay innovations that were later adopted in console entries. It proved that the PSP could deliver complex, story-driven experiences without compromise.

Another strength of the PSP was how it introduced younger players to the PlayStation brand. With accessible titles like LocoRoco and Patapon, it offered a colorful entry point into Sony’s ecosystem, while also giving older players mature, challenging titles. It managed to serve both demographics without losing its identity, a balancing act few platforms have achieved so successfully.

Looking back, it’s clear that the golden age of PlayStation wasn’t limited to its home consoles. The PSP was an integral part of that success, proving that powerful, meaningful gaming experiences could exist beyond the TV screen. As we celebrate the best games that defined that era, we honor not just the titles themselves, but the bold vision behind them—a vision that continues to shape the future of gaming.