It’s rare to find a portable version of the same game that is superior to one intended for home consoles. The PlayStation brand has largely experienced this as most of the games are ported from the PSP/PS Vita to remastered versions.
Since Nintendo has released thousands of games in its time as the leading handheld console provider, there are some titles that have been better in this aspect compared to home systems, like Wii U. The reason for the smaller versions’ superiority usually comes down to differences in controlling playable characters and graphics, and it’s interesting to see which titles have experienced this.
8 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world adventure where non-linear gameplay is encouraged so players can explore the map. The portable version of the Nintendo Switch is better compared to the Wii U’s home system simply due to the greater playtime it offers.
Fans can have the same experience on the go as they could when the system is docked. Graphics are better suited to a handheld device compared to television, as the visuals look scattered when they are expanded to a big screen. As Link can scale just about anything in the world, the handheld version feels more fluid in execution, making for a faster-paced experience that encourages more exploration.
7 Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
The handheld version of this game is entirely different from the console’s, with both versions having distinct storylines. The console iteration has the Prince fight a released evil to save his brother while the portable version has him help free the Sisters of Time.
The handheld gameplay comprises 2.5D visuals and is a side-scroller, which works to its benefit as it feels like a unique game. The console version is largely about button-mashing combat with minimal impact on the plot. Meanwhile, the portable version creates a relationship between the Prince and the Sisters of Time, and the platforming is placed in full focus, which is the aspect that the series shines at the most.
6 God Of War: Chains Of Olympus
This prequel sets Kratos up to be a sympathetic character by portraying his failed attempt to reunite with his daughter. First released for the PSP, it was later remastered for the PS3. However, the game’s nature as a companion piece rather than a full-fledged game doesn’t allow it to be fully satisfying on the big screen.
Portable games are better suited to short runtimes and Chains of Olympus also features combat moves dialed down from what console gamers are used to in the God of War series. Despite the remastered tag for the PS3, graphics still appear as they do, according to PSP’s framerates, making the console version seem inferior in presentation.
5 Metal Gear Solid: Peacwalker
As far as the story goes, Peacewalker has some of the best cutscenes in Metal Gear Solid history, diving into Snake’s recovery from fighting against The Boss (his former mentor). As with other portable titles, the game has shorter mission maps that are satisfying to complete on the smaller screen. Peacewalker was ported from the PSP to the PS3 and Xbox 360, with the latter two versions coming across as a rehash rather than an original experience.
Combat is easier with fewer controls that come with a portable system, while the console versions divided command prompts to multiple buttons on their controllers (which makes attacking bosses confusing). The cutscenes are presented in sketch format rather than in motion picture, which feels clunky on a console screen.
4 Final Fantasy Tactics
The intention of the handheld port to Final Fantasy Tactics was to enhance the value for players a decade after the console release. The portable version was titled War of the Lions and features updated visuals, new cutscenes, and a multiplayer mode.
The game is a turn-based tactical RPG, with the console version regarded as a landmark for the genre upon release. For both old and new fans, it’s the PSP version that wins, though, as it brings in all the fun of the original while delivering add-ons to make it a superior version.
3 Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Size Matters was a full-fledged Ratchet & Clank game where the PSP was concerned, but releasing it for the PS2 - at a time when the PS3 was already out - wasn’t the right move. The PS2 version suffers from dull gameplay elements, such as a boring soundtrack, major framerate bugs, and poor graphics.
The PSP version does well in delivering a compact, well-set experience that doesn’t suffer from any technical issues. The control functions are also tailormade for the two trigger buttons of the PSP, as opposed to the four on a console’s controller.
2 Silent Hill: Origins
Although it’s not one of the Silent Hill entries that changed the gaming landscape, the PSP version of the title does a good job of keeping the tension high. The main reason comes down to the availability of headphones for the portable system, as the game is specifically designed to make the eerie soundtrack deliver the scares.
The PS2 port doesn’t have this benefit and the sound has a screeching quality that can interrupt the dialogue. It also lacks a mini-map, bonus material, and manual camera control - all of which are there to enjoy in the PSP's Silent Hill: Origins.
1 Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
This was one of the best games released for the PSP and had a solid storyline for a GTA title. Liberty City Stories is about Toni Cipriani’s return to the city to redeem his role in the Leone crime empire. The title is best delivered on the portable console due to it featuring more polished features.
These include better sound, clearer graphics, gun control, and handling of the player character. The PS2 version’s open-world is somehow barren and contains fewer pedestrians, while the port’s shoddy graphics make it reminiscent of a PS1 game. On the PSP, the drawbacks can also be forgiven since fitting a game the size of this open-world in the smaller console is actually pretty impressive.
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