Many PSP games were not just excellent—they were ahead of their time, introducing mechanics and ideas that wouldn’t become mainstream until years later. tunas4d Metal Gear Acid, for example, combined tactical card-based gameplay with stealth action, a blend that was niche then but has since become a trend in indie and mobile games.

Echochrome played with perception and optical illusions to create spatial puzzles that challenged players’ understanding of space and perspective. This experimental design would later influence VR puzzle games and modern minimalist mobile titles.

Even in racing games, the PSP had standouts like WipEout Pulse, which offered online multiplayer, customizable ships, and dynamic sound design—all packed into a small handheld. Its polish and futuristic design laid the groundwork for modern portable racers.

These forward-thinking games proved that innovation doesn’t need high-end hardware—it needs vision. The PSP may have been a compact device, but it was home to ideas that pushed the entire industry forward.