The PlayStation Portable (PSP) may no longer be Sony’s flagship handheld console, but its library of anime-inspired games continues to captivate fans even in 2025. These titles offer a perfect blend of nostalgia, portability, and unique gameplay experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 anime PSP games that still deserve your attention, whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time.
1. Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact
Released in 2011, Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Impact remains one of the most beloved anime PSP games. This action-packed fighting game brings the ninja world of Naruto to life with stunning visuals and intense battles. For Naruto fans, this game is often considered one of the best Naruto PSP games available.
Key Features:
- Extensive roster of over 50 playable characters
- Story mode covering key arcs from the anime
- Massive 3D battle environments
- Local multiplayer for epic ninja showdowns
The game’s combat system is intuitive yet deep, allowing players to execute complex jutsu and devastating combos. Whether you’re a Naruto fan or just love fighting games, Ultimate Ninja Impact offers hours of engaging gameplay.
2. Sword Art Online – Infinity Moment
For fans of the popular Sword Art Online series, Infinity Moment is a must-play PSP title. Released in 2013, this RPG immerses players in the virtual world of Aincrad. If you’re looking for games similar to Sword Art Online, this PSP title offers an authentic experience.
Highlights:
- Original storyline set within the SAO universe
- Detailed character customization
- Strategic real-time combat system
- Interaction with beloved characters from the anime
While it doesn’t feature online play (despite the series’ premise), Sword Art Online – Infinity Moment compensates with its rich single-player experience and faithful recreation of the anime’s world.
3. Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team
Dragon Ball Z fans will find plenty to love in Tenkaichi Tag Team. This fighting game brings the high-energy battles of the anime to the PSP with its unique 2v2 combat system.
Game Features:
- Tag team battles with up to four characters on screen
- Large roster of Dragon Ball Z fighters
- Story mode covering major DBZ sagas
- Local multiplayer for intense showdowns
The fast-paced gameplay and ability to switch between characters mid-fight make Tenkaichi Tag Team a standout title among PSP fighting games.
4. Bleach: Heat the Soul 7
As the final entry in the Heat the Soul series, this game represents the pinnacle of Bleach fighting games on PSP. With its extensive character roster and refined gameplay, it’s a fan-favorite that holds up well in 2025.
Notable Aspects:
- Huge selection of characters from the Bleach universe
- Multiple game modes including Story and Arcade
- Smooth, fast-paced combat
- Special moves and transformations faithful to the anime
Bleach: Heat the Soul 7 captures the spirit of the anime’s intense sword fights and spiritual powers, making it a must-play for Bleach enthusiasts.
5. Black Rock Shooter: The Game
Based on the anime and manga franchise, Black Rock Shooter: The Game offers a unique blend of action RPG gameplay and sci-fi storytelling.
Key Elements:
- Post-apocalyptic setting with striking visuals
- Fast-paced third-person shooter combat
- Character upgrades and weapon customization
- Engaging storyline expanding on the Black Rock Shooter lore
The game’s dark atmosphere and intense battles set it apart from many other anime-inspired PSP titles, offering a more mature gaming experience.
6. Danball Senki
Danball Senki brings the world of customizable robot battles to the PSP. This action RPG allows players to build and battle with their own LBX (Little Battler eXperience) robots.
Game Aspects:
- Deep customization system for LBX robots
- Strategic battles combining action and RPG elements
- Multiplayer mode for robot showdowns
- Story mode featuring characters from the anime
The game’s focus on robot customization and tactical battles offers a unique experience among anime PSP games.
7. Valkyria Chronicles 3
While not directly based on an anime, Valkyria Chronicles 3 features an art style and storytelling approach reminiscent of many popular anime series. This tactical RPG offers a deep, engaging experience for strategy fans.
Standout Features:
- Unique blend of turn-based strategy and third-person shooting
- Compelling storyline set in a fictional World War II-era conflict
- Beautiful cel-shaded graphics
- Character development and squad management
Valkyria Chronicles 3 stands out for its innovative gameplay and rich narrative, making it a hidden gem in the PSP library.
8. Love Live! School Idol Project
For fans of rhythm games and the Love Live! franchise, this PSP title is a perfect match. Players can enjoy performances from their favorite school idols while testing their rhythm game skills.
Game Highlights:
- Catchy songs from the Love Live! anime
- Multiple difficulty levels for each song
- Unlockable costumes and items
- Story mode featuring interactions with idol characters
Love Live! School Idol Project successfully translates the energy and charm of the anime into an addictive rhythm game format.
9. Fate/Extra
Set in the popular Fate universe, Fate/Extra is a dungeon-crawling RPG that offers a unique take on the Holy Grail War concept.
Key Features:
- Turn-based combat with a rock-paper-scissors style system
- Multiple Servant characters to choose from, each with unique abilities
- Intricate storyline with multiple endings
- Familiar and new characters from the Fate series
Fate/Extra’s blend of visual novel elements and RPG gameplay creates a compelling experience for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
10. One Piece: Romance Dawn
Rounding out our list is One Piece: Romance Dawn, an RPG that lets players experience the early adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew.
Game Aspects:
- Turn-based combat system featuring iconic One Piece moves
- Story covering the East Blue to Marineford arcs
- Character growth and skill development
- Exploration of famous locations from the One Piece world
One Piece fans will appreciate the game’s faithful adaptation of the manga’s early storylines and the chance to relive Luffy’s journey in RPG form.
Why Anime PSP Games Remain Popular in 2025
Despite the PSP being a legacy console, these anime games continue to attract players for several reasons:
- Nostalgia: For many, these games represent a golden age of handheld gaming and anime adaptations.
- Unique Experiences: Many of these titles offer gameplay or stories not available on modern platforms.
- Portability: The PSP’s design makes it perfect for gaming on the go, a feature that remains appealing.
- Preservation of Anime History: These games often capture specific moments in long-running anime series, preserving them in interactive form.
How to Play Anime PSP Games in 2025
While finding a working PSP and physical copies of these games can be challenging, there are several ways to enjoy these titles today:
- Original Hardware: If you still have a PSP, you can hunt for used copies of these games online or in retro game stores.
- PSP Emulators: There are several reliable PSP emulators available for PC and mobile devices, allowing you to play these games on modern hardware.
- PlayStation Vita: The PS Vita is backwards compatible with many digital PSP titles, which can be purchased from the PlayStation Store.
Expanding Your Anime Gaming Experience
While PSP anime games offer a unique experience, modern consoles also provide excellent anime-inspired titles. For PlayStation 4 owners, there’s a wide selection of anime games for PS4 that offer stunning graphics and innovative gameplay. These games often provide a more contemporary take on anime adaptations, with improved visuals and online features.
For those who enjoy tabletop gaming, there are also many excellent anime board games that capture the spirit of popular anime series. These games offer a different kind of interactive experience and can be a great way to enjoy anime-inspired content with friends.
Conclusion
The world of anime PSP games offers a rich variety of experiences, from intense fighting games to immersive RPGs. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to these titles, the top 10 games we’ve explored provide hours of entertainment and a window into some of the best anime adaptations in gaming history. As we move forward in the gaming world, these PSP classics remind us of the enduring appeal of well-crafted, anime-inspired handheld games.
FAQs
Are there any modern handheld consoles that offer similar anime game experiences? The Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita have many anime-inspired games, though the specific titles and gameplay experiences may differ from PSP games.
Can I still buy new PSP games? While Sony has discontinued production of PSP games, you can still find new and used copies through online retailers and specialty stores.
Are these games available on other platforms? Some of these games have received ports or remakes for other systems, but many remain exclusive to the PSP.
Is it legal to use PSP emulators? Emulators themselves are legal, but downloading ROMs of games you don’t own may infringe on copyright laws.
Can I play multiplayer on these games today? Local multiplayer is still possible with original hardware. Online services for PSP have been discontinued.
