"Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus' Persona series has firmly established itself as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. Persona 5, in particular, has achieved such legendary status that it draws gamers to Shibuya station, eager to capture the iconic shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Interestingly, the station has been remodeled since, but fans can still find the perfect angle to snap that memorable photo.

While the success of the series might seem sudden, the Persona journey began as a spin-off of Atlus' other RPG franchise, Shin Megami Tensei, nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the game titles might suggest, there are actually six mainline Persona games, not including the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. It's important to note that Metaphor: ReFantazio does not fall under the Persona umbrella.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of the JRPG series is highly rewarding, though some titles are harder to come by than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline Persona games. Be prepared; you might need to invest in a PSP to enjoy some of these classics.

Revelations: Persona

Revelations: Persona debuted in 1996 on the original PlayStation, with later releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The story follows heroes who gain their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it's available on is the PlayStation Classic, a 2018 remake of the original PlayStation.

As such, there is no version of this game on modern hardware. You'll need to find a physical copy if you still own a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older Persona games, fans can hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this second installment was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999 but only in Japan. It wasn't until over a decade later, in 2011, that a localized version became available on the PSP. It's also playable on the PlayStation Vita.

Unfortunately, this remains the most recent release, and like Revelations: Persona, there's no way to play it on modern consoles. The game follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Eternal Punishment is a direct sequel to Innocent Sin, released the following year in 2000. Set a few months after Innocent Sin, it continues the saga of the "Joker Curse" but introduces a new protagonist, a teenage reporter.

Unlike its predecessor, Eternal Punishment saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. It was remade for the PSP in 2011 and became available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. However, it's not available on modern hardware. There's a strong possibility that Atlus is considering a dual remake of Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.

Persona 3

Persona 3 marked the moment when the series stepped out from the shadow of Shin Megami Tensei. Released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America, it follows teens grappling with the concept of death while investigating the "Dark Hour," a mysterious time anomaly. An expanded version, Persona 3 FES, featuring an additional epilogue, was released the next year and is playable on the PS3.

Beyond FES, Persona 3 has seen several remakes. Persona 3 Portable, an abridged version originally released for the PSP, later became available on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for the Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023, with many considering Portable the definitive version.

The latest iteration, Persona 3 Reload, released in 2024, caters to fans of Persona 5 Royal and is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. Physical copies are available for the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after Persona 3, Persona 4 made its debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This entry presents a classic murder mystery where teens harness their personas to solve a series of killings. Persona 4 has become a beloved classic.

The enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and is now available on almost every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except the PC.

Persona 5

While Persona 4 turned heads, Persona 5 catapulted the series to mainstream fame. The original game launched simultaneously on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and globally in 2017. The enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, arrived a few years later, notably releasing in North America in March 2020, offering a glimpse of Tokyo amidst the early days of the global COVID-19 lockdown.

Persona 5 follows a protagonist known as Joker, who, after being wrongfully accused of assault, moves to Tokyo and becomes entangled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical spaces born from people's distorted desires. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this gripping narrative.

Persona 5 Royal is now available on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital versions are accessible through various online stores.