The PSP didn’t just expand Sony’s hardware lineup—it helped grow some of its most beloved franchises. Many of the best games on the platform were either ambitious spin-offs or prequels that deepened the stories of PlayStation’s top series. Rather than being throwaway side Bonus new member 100 projects, these PSP games introduced characters, lore, and gameplay innovations that became franchise staples.
One standout is Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, which offered fans their first in-depth look at Zack Fair, a key figure in the Final Fantasy universe. Far from a filler episode, it delivered powerful storytelling and emotional moments that reshaped how fans understood the original game. Likewise, God of War: Ghost of Sparta and Chains of Olympus filled in crucial chapters of Kratos’s story, with console-quality production that proved PSP games could hold narrative weight.
Some PSP originals even inspired future entries on larger consoles. Resistance: Retribution, for instance, added European lore to the main series, while Daxter gave a beloved sidekick his own spotlight and hinted at new directions for the Jak & Daxter franchise. These games weren’t just extensions—they were vital parts of the PlayStation gaming experience, advancing character development and gameplay mechanics.
Sony’s strategy of using the PSP to expand franchises worked brilliantly. It gave fans more content while also showcasing the portable’s capabilities. Even years later, these games are fondly remembered as some of the best in their respective series, and their narratives continue to influence PlayStation games today.