Legal Play Options for All Persona Games in 2025

Since the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus’ *Persona* series has firmly established itself as an iconic JRPG franchise. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so emblematic that fans, often dubbed "gamer-tourists," flock to Shibuya Station in Tokyo to capture the iconic image of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Interestingly, the station was remodeled, but the famous angle can still be found.

However, the *Persona* series' rise to fame was gradual. Originally a spin-off of Atlus’ *Shin Megami Tensei* franchise, the first *Persona* game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the numbering might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not counting spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. It's worth noting that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* does not fall under the *Persona* umbrella.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is rewarding, though accessing some of the earlier games can be challenging. Here's a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared; you might need to dust off your PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona* was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with later versions available on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's storyline revolves around heroes who gain their personas through fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it's been released on is the PlayStation Classic, a 2018 re-release of the original PlayStation.

This means there's no way to play this game on modern hardware legally. You'll need to find a physical copy for your PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, a modern remastered version might be on the horizon.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known simply as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this game was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available in North America and Europe via the PSP. It's also playable on the PlayStation Vita.

Unfortunately, there's no modern console version available. The storyline 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 itself.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. The narrative picks up a few months after *Innocent Sin* and continues the "Joker Curse" saga, this time through the eyes of a teenage reporter protagonist.

Despite its close connection to *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* saw a broader release, including a simultaneous North American launch on the PlayStation in 2000. A PSP remake followed in 2011, accessible on the PlayStation Network and playable on the PS3 by 2013.

Like its predecessor, *Eternal Punishment* is not available on modern hardware. However, there's hope for a potential remastered release that could bundle both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' emergence from the shadow of the *Shin Megami Tensei* franchise. Launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America, it follows teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the "Dark Hour" phenomenon. The following year saw the release of *Persona 3 FES*, which included an additional epilogue, playable on the PS3.

*Persona 3* has been remade several times. The abridged *Persona 3 Portable* was originally for the PSP but was later re-released on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical versions available for the latter three in 2023. Many consider *Portable* the best version of *Persona 3*.

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 PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game presents a classic murder mystery, with teens using their personas to solve a series of murders. *Persona 4* has garnered immense love from fans.

The enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, is now widely available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical copies are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

Although *Persona 4* caught attention, *Persona 5* catapulted the franchise into mainstream gaming culture. The original was released for the PS3 and PS4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017. The definitive version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released a few years later, notably in North America in March 2020, during the early stages of the global COVID-19 lockdown.

*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused and moves to Tokyo, where he becomes involved with the "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this narrative.

*Persona 5 Royal* is now available on virtually all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital copies are readily available.