Today’s gamers can stream console-quality games to their phones or tablets, but that level of flexibility has roots in Sony’s original portable experiment—the PSP. At a time when cloud gaming was a distant concept, the PSP pianototo offered a revolutionary idea: that you could play full-fledged PlayStation games anywhere. It wasn’t perfect, but it was foundational. Many of the principles behind modern-day PlayStation Remote Play and streaming services began here.

One of the key features of the PSP was its ability to connect with the PS3 for content sharing, remote downloads, and even game streaming in some regions. Although limited by early network tech, this functionality hinted at a future where console and portable systems worked hand-in-hand. Games like Gran Turismo PSP, LittleBigPlanet, and Resistance: Retribution offered portable experiences that mirrored their console counterparts, creating an early unified ecosystem.

Sony’s bold vision included features like downloadable PSP games from the PlayStation Store, which helped popularize the idea of digital-only gaming well before it became mainstream. With titles stored on memory sticks and updates delivered via Wi-Fi, the PSP gave players a taste of the future. In hindsight, the platform was years ahead of its time in embracing ideas now central to PlayStation’s strategy—including cross-play and portable connectivity.

Now, as PlayStation continues to expand with features like PS Plus cloud streaming and mobile game development, the legacy of the PSP becomes even clearer. It wasn’t just a great handheld—it was a stepping stone to a more connected, accessible form of gaming. The best PSP games weren’t just good—they were visionary, laying the groundwork for the mobile-integrated experiences we enjoy today.