PSP Games That Introduced New Players to Big Franchises

The PSP wasn’t just a platform for spin-offs—it served as an entry point into some of the biggest gaming franchises for a whole new generation. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII introduced players to the world of Midgar, SOLDIER, and Zack Fair, years before Final Fantasy VII Remake https://www.toyotastartupawards.com/ brought it back into the spotlight. For many, this was their first glimpse into the complex mythology of Final Fantasy, and the emotional ending left a lasting mark.

Daxter gave fans a closer look at the wisecracking ottsel from the Jak and Daxter series. While the mainline games were on PlayStation 2, Daxter stood on its own as a prequel and character-focused platformer. It was slick, polished, and gave new players a chance to enter the franchise from a different angle—with just enough nods to long-time fans to feel familiar and fresh.

Resistance: Retribution was another key title. While the console versions of Resistance were big-budget first-person shooters, the PSP spinoff cleverly adapted the gameplay into a third-person format suited for handheld play. It worked as a side story but also gave players an accessible entry point into the larger war-torn world of Resistance.

These PSP games weren’t just extras—they were gateways. They brought new fans into existing worlds by offering quality experiences that stood confidently on their own. They helped turn casual players into franchise fans and proved that handhelds could be more than just companions to the console experience.