I still remember the first time I held a PSP in my hands—the sleek design, that brilliant screen, and the promise of console-quality gaming on the go. What truly made the device legendary, though, were its sports titles. Even today, certain PSP sports games hold up remarkably well, delivering pulse-pounding action that modern mobile games often struggle to match. As someone who has spent countless hours with this handheld, I can confidently say that the PSP library included some of the most innovative and replayable sports experiences ever made. Two contributors, Jerome Almario and Lloyd Jefferson Borbe, recently highlighted this in their respective lists—Almario with 11 standout titles, Borbe with 10. Drawing from their insights and my own extensive playtime, I want to walk you through the PSP sports games that, in my view, still deliver thrilling action today.

Let’s start with the obvious one: FIFA Soccer. The PSP iterations, particularly FIFA 14, were nothing short of miraculous for their time. I still fire up my PSP to play a quick match now and then, and I’m struck by how fluid the gameplay feels. The controls are tight, the AI provides a decent challenge, and the graphics—though dated—somehow retain their charm. Almario’s list rightly emphasized the career mode’s depth, which let you manage and play through multiple seasons. Borbe, on the other hand, praised the portability factor, noting how easy it was to jump into a match during a commute. From my experience, what makes FIFA on PSP so enduring is its pick-up-and-play appeal combined with surprising depth. It’s a game that understood the handheld format—you didn’t need to invest hours to feel satisfied.

Then there’s Tony Hawk’s Underground 2 Remix. This one holds a special place in my heart. As a skateboarding enthusiast, I’ve always felt this title captured the rebellious spirit and sheer fun of the series better than many console versions. The controls are responsive, the level design encourages creativity, and the soundtrack? Absolutely iconic. Almario pointed out how the game built on the console version with exclusive levels, while Borbe highlighted the smooth frame rate that kept tricks feeling crisp. I’ve probably sunk over 200 hours into this game, and even now, nailing a high-score combo gets my adrenaline pumping. It’s not just a relic—it’s a masterclass in arcade sports gameplay.

Another standout is MLB The Show. I’ll admit, I’m biased here—baseball games don’t always get the love they deserve, but the PSP versions were groundbreaking. MLB 11: The Show, for instance, featured stunningly realistic pitching and batting mechanics for a handheld. I remember being blown away by the Road to the Show mode, which let you create and develop a player from the minors to the majors. Almario’s analysis noted the game’s impressive 60 frames per second during gameplay, a technical feat back then. Borbe emphasized its replay value, and I couldn’t agree more. Even today, the satisfaction of hitting a perfectly timed home run is hard to beat. It’s one of those games that proves sports simulations can be both deep and accessible.

We can’t talk about PSP sports without mentioning Virtua Tennis. This series was—and still is—a benchmark for tennis games. The third installment on PSP, in particular, offered incredibly intuitive controls and a world tour mode that was both engaging and addictive. Almario’s list praised its multiplayer, which allowed ad-hoc matches with friends, while Borbe focused on the smooth animations and realistic physics. From my own sessions, what stands out is how easy it is to pick up yet difficult to master. The career mode hooks you with its progression system, and the fast-paced matches never overstay their welcome. It’s a game I often recommend to friends looking for a quick, satisfying sports fix.

Let’s shift gears to something a bit different: SSX On Tour. This snowboarding title was pure, unadulterated fun. The over-the-top tricks, the vibrant art style, and the seamless integration of skiing made it a standout. Almario highlighted the game’s customization options, which let you personalize your rider extensively, while Borbe noted the adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. Personally, I loved the risk-reward system—pulling off insane combos while navigating treacherous slopes never gets old. Even now, I find myself going back to beat my high scores. It’s a testament to how well-designed arcade sports games can remain engaging years later.

Of course, not every title has aged perfectly, but games like Madden NFL on PSP still offer solid gameplay. Madden NFL 11, for example, featured a simplified control scheme that made it accessible without sacrificing depth. Almario’s contribution pointed to its franchise mode, which was surprisingly robust for a handheld game. Borbe, meanwhile, appreciated the realistic player animations. From my perspective, while the graphics show their age, the core football experience remains compelling. There’s a reason I keep this one loaded on my memory stick—it’s perfect for killing time with a quick game.

Wrapping up, it’s clear that the PSP’s sports library was something special. These games weren’t just watered-down ports; they were crafted with the handheld experience in mind. Almario and Borbe’s curated lists remind us of the innovation and passion that went into these titles. Whether it’s the strategic depth of MLB The Show, the arcade excitement of SSX On Tour, or the timeless appeal of FIFA, these games have stood the test of time. As someone who has enjoyed them for years, I can say they still deliver the thrilling action that made the PSP a beloved device. If you have a PSP lying around, do yourself a favor and revisit these classics—you might be surprised by how much fun they still are.