Being able to play anywhere is really the perk of mobile gaming. You can play while waiting for the bus, for a dentist appointment, for a commercial to be over, while someone else is using the consoles, when you're supposed to be asleep, etc
But what's a handheld without great games?
Here's a list of great games for the DS and PSP. Some GBA games might be mentioned since the DS can play them, but usually to compare to a related DS and/or PSP game for a cheaper alternative. No standalone GBA games will be mentioned, and neither will games from older handheld systems.
The list is ordered by genre, and at the end there is a possible list of great unreleased games. The games are not ordered otherwise as people's tastes differ. There is a subgenre called "Nostalgia". These games are good, but only become great if you have some personal interest towards them.
This list according to Early January 2009. Be mindful that this list is long so pace yourselves.
1) ROLE PLAYING GAMES
Sonic Chronicles: the Dark Brotherhod (DS) A worthy RPG for this franchise. They should have come up with this idea sooner. Beautiful graphics, decent voice overs, and fun gameplay (including a few puzzles) for any RPG gamer. Sonic fan or not. It may be an RPG, but a lot of the commands are fast paced.
Pokemon games for DS or GBA Almost all main Pokemon games (not spinoffs) are great RPG's with fun extra options and multiplayer battle support Heck I still play Pokemon Blue for Game Boy Color from time to time. Just grab the latest game and you're almost sure to have a hit (In other words: Pokemon Pearl or Pokemon Diamond). In this case, stick to DS games since they have wifi support which makes trading and battles easier, and they have the nifty Underground game.
Chrono Trigger (DS) This is a port, not a real remake, but then again Chrono Trigger doesn't need much. It's one of the best RPG's of all time and needs nothing added. If you don't mind 2D artwork, get it, get it, get it. And the load times are better than the PS1 remake.
Final Fantasy III DS A true remake with updated graphics (and other stuff) that makes this a brand new awesome RPG.
Final Fantasy IV DS Another great remake that needs no more praise. Do note that there is a FF4 remake for the GBA that uses 2D graphics, if you don't like the new 3D style. If you're tight on a budget and can't choose between 3 or 4, it really doesn't matter. However if voice acting is a decisive factor, then you need to know this: III has no voice acting; IV does. Since I hate voice acting I went with III, but other people like to not have to read much and went with IV.
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass: A dungeon RPG where you travel the world, defeat monsters, find treasure, save a girl, travel from island to island. If you like Zelda games, you'll like this one.
NOSTALGIA SECTION: (games that are only must-haves if you're already a fan)
Star
Ocean: First Departure (PSP) If you're a fan of Star Ocean The Second Story (for the PS1), this is a must have game. It plays practically the same, but tells you more about the storyline. For others, it might be best to just wait for the remake of the Second Story.
Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core (PSP) At best, this is an average game by itself. However true fanatics of Final Fantasy VII will enjoy learning about the story of Zach (and that's pretty much the only redeeming facet of this game).
Other Final Fantasy remakes: 6 and 5 for the GBA are great, if you don't mind 2D style. 1 and 2 were remade for both the GBA and PSP. It's cheaper to get the GBA version because it includes both games, whereas you have to buy them separately for the PSP. The new PSP versions aren't much different, so if you already have a remake it's not really worth it. For example I have the PS1 remake and I wouldn't shell out 20-30 more bucks to get practically the exact same game (though I do love mobility). If they remade them with the new 3D style, then they'd be worth it. Most other Final Fantasy spinoffs are not must-have games (No, I didn't forget about the Tactics series. I put them in a later section).
2) ACTION
Castlevania games for the DS or GBA, and PSP let's face it: they're all great. Just ask for the latest one and you're set (which would be Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia). The PSP title (Dracula X chronicles) is difficult, but packs two games.
Megaman Powered up (PSP) A
remake of the first Megaman game. You can play with the new style which has a more focused and localized display of the level. You can play using old style which using the more old-fashioned habit of seeing your character from out of range. This is pure Megaman fun, and in New style you can choose difficulty, battle more bosses, and play as defeated bosses. There's also a Challenge mode, which is basically a brain-provoking mode you can play if you don't feel like playing the storyline.
God of War : Chain of Olympus (PSP) If you don't know what God of War is, you've neglected the video game world for quite some time but trust me on this: God of War on the go makes Christmas appear every time you turn on your PSP.
3) STRATEGY
Ninjatown (DS) A pure strategy game. Loads of troupes, powerups, enemies and they don't just look different, they act different, which leads to some very interesting changes of strategies. Levels can be beaten in a variety of ways, so as long as you think through, you can proceed as you want with equal chances.
Advance Wars: Dual Strike Various modes to lead your minions to victory, with this turn based strategy game. Be mindful of your environment, your enemies or you won't win the war. A lot of thinking is required.
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions (PSP) This is not a pure strategy game, it's a Strategy RPG. It's a remake of the PS1 version with a few updated graphics, new cutscenes, a few extra character jobs, and multiplayer options. It's an absolute buy regardless of whether or not you've played the original. This is my favorite game to play during commercials.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS) This is a simpler to play spinoff of Tactics, so it's also a Strategy RPG, with a much less political storyline and cuter-looking characters. It's a sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the GBA, which is also a great game.
4) FIGHTING
Tekken: Dark Resurection (PSP) the Tekken games are known for great intricate gameplay, loads of fun, and bloody battles. Even on a smaller screen, you can still kick butt. It's just about the most gorgeous PSP fighting game, the controls work superb, and there are over 30 characters.
Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword (DS) Not a pure fighting game, but still.The controls were completely reinvented for the DS, leading to a rewarding unique experience in Ninja buttkicking.
5) SHOOTERS
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Opps (PSP) this is not the card-based PSP game, but an installment of pure good spy shooting from our favorite snake. The online features include online play, and recruiting opps for Snake's espionage ring.
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (PSP) The controls are nicer than that of MGS Portable Opps, but the storyline is not as deep. Either game is a good choice.
Grand Theft Auto games for the PSP There are two of them, equally worthy of being bought, though Liberty Stories seems to have more implemented.
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PSP) A less serious shooter with various weapons, armors, tight controls and loads of cartoonish blowing up. Also there are various mini games in the game, though not all are appreciated. Multiplayer gameplay for up to 4 players is available.
Space Invaders Extreme (DS) - Same concept, better graphics, more weapons, more enemies, and online play. Weee.
6) OTHER
New Super Mario Bros a 2D platforming game, with some 3D graphics, and all of the goodness of true Mario games. No more introduction needed.
Patapon (PSP) : You lead your people by using strategy and music. Music decides the controls you give out. It's the best of both worlds any time.
Lumines and Lumines II (PSP) It may be overly similar to Tetris, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's got snazzy graphics and sound and well, you can't go wrong with a Tetris successor.
Puzzle Quest (PSP or DS) This is a puzzle game with RPG elements. The puzzle part is jewel-matching (think Bejewled) and the RPG part is that you can customize your character's spells and advances, which allows for deeper gameplay. If you have a choice, get the DS version since it's easier to play with touch controls.
Burnout Legends (PSP) a racing game with great controls, beautiful graphics, and well, who doesn't like to crash cars, and try to outsmart cops? Too bad there's no online play.
MarioKart DS Does this really need an explanation? Racing, cute characters, and the ability to mess them up with gimmicks? Plus online play?
Kirby: Canvas Curse (DS) You use the stylus to create your own sort of bridges and attack enemies. Cute, simple, and effective one of the best games on the DS.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
• Silent Hill Origins (PSP) Horror, shooting
• Wipeout Pulse (PSP) racing
• Daxter (PSP) platforming
• Trauma Center games (No real way to explain this genre. Doctor?)
• Tetris DS puzzle
• Metroid Prime Hunters (DS) shooter, platforming
• Lunar Knights (DS) - RPG
LOOKING INTO THE NEAR FUTURE:
Games that look as though they might come out great though there's no guarantee.
• Suikoden Tierkreis (DS)
• Valkrie Profile: Accused One (DS)
• Blue Dragon Plus (DS)
• Ace Attorney: Perfect Prosecutor (DS)
• Infinite Space (DS)
• Rhythm Heaven (DS)
• Star Ocean: Second Evolution (PSP)
• Patapon 2 (PSP)
Sources:Game Informer magazines