While a distant second place in the handheld war, the PSP has come out fighting with a plethora of enticing new software for the platform. This year also saw the release of the PSP Go, a download-only system with a sleeker physical build. Whether you’re picking something out for an old or young, veteran or inexperienced gamer, the PSP has something for everyone this holiday season.

2009 Releases

While software sales in Western territories were poor, the quality of these releases was very high. It’s a great time to be a PSP owner, so let your loved one or friend know that by giving them one of these great PSP offerings.

• LittleBigPlanet

Create, share, play. This is the mantra of the LittleBigPlanet series, and Sony Bend’s execution of taking a console game and putting it on a portable was nearly flawless. There are dozens of new levels to play through, multiple new level accessories and Sackboy costumes to play dress-up with, and a community that is just starting to make its own with a cacophony of creations. Whether one loves a jump ‘n run game with creative level design or the ability to make their own levels, LittleBigPlanet is a perfect gift for those wanting lots of replay value.

• Motorstorm: Arctic Edge

The weather outside is frightful, and the weather in Motorstorm: Arctic Edge is even worse. Take on twelve brand new icy tracks with one of eight vehicle types. Each vehicle handles differently and can access different paths. For instance, a bike shouldn’t go anywhere near deep snow, and a big rig shouldn’t jump off ramps. With different events to run through in the Festival mode for lone players, or online play with up to eight racers for multi-player centric gamers, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge has a lot to love.

• PANGYA: Fantasy Golf

If you have someone on your list who loves anime, golf, or both, be sure to get them the quirky and colorful PANGYA: Fantasy Golf. With plenty of longevity and options, the ability to customize each golfer by buying them new clothes, gear, and accessories, and nine unique courses to play on, this golf outing certainly will score a birdie for the person you give this game to.

• LocoRoco 2

If you have someone with more eccentric tastes or a love for platformers, LocoRoco 2 is the perfect gift. The entire game is played with the shoulder buttons. L moves your LocoRoco left and R moves your LocoRoco right. Squeezing them together causes the lovable blob to leap into the air. Don’t let the simplicity of the controls fool you– the game can be quite difficult to complete. The fact that you can get LocoRoco 2 for only twenty dollars is the icing on this delicious cake.

• Resistance: Retribution

For the hardcore gamer on your list, there’s Resistance: Retribution. The game takes place before the events of Resistance 2. Unlike the console offerings, the PSP Resistance installment is a third-person shooter a la games like Gears of War. Online multi-player is a blast to play, and it works and runs wonderfully well. This is the second game on this list from developer Sony Bend. They really know how to take console games and put them on handhelds.

• Dissidia: Final Fantasy

Take a host of Final Fantasy heroes and villains from Final Fantasies 1-10, add in fast and frenetic fighting action and all of the angst you could want, and you have Dissidia: Final Fantasy for the PSP. Whether your potential gift receiver enjoys 3-D arena fighters or Final Fantasy in general, there’s a lot to love in this pint-sized portable package.

• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Not worth the purchase if your loved one already has the DS game, the PSP version features more impressive 3-D visuals. The touch-based mechanics have been replaced with analog input, and everything else is pretty much the same. If you thought the DS version didn’t sell well, don’t dare look at the numbers of the PSP installment. Regardless, for whatever system your soon-to-gift friend or loved one has, GTA: Chinatown Wars is a winner.

Essentials

• Daxter
• Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
• Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
• Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
• God of War: Chains of Olympus
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
• WipEout Pure