"Legal Ways to Play All Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus’ Persona series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the JRPG genre. Persona 5, in particular, has become so iconic that fans, often dubbed "gamer-tourists," flock to Shibuya station to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Despite the station's recent remodel, you can still find the perfect angle to recreate this iconic scene.

The success of Persona might seem sudden, but it's the result of a gradual evolution. Originally a spin-off of Atlus’ Shin Megami Tensei franchise, the first Persona game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the titles might suggest, there are actually six mainline Persona games, not counting the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. It's worth noting that Metaphor: ReFantazio does not fall under the Persona umbrella.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of the Persona series is highly rewarding, though some titles can be harder to find than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline Persona games. Be prepared; you might need a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

Revelations: Persona debuted in 1996 on the original PlayStation, with later releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game follows heroes who gain their personas through a dramatic session of fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent "re-release" was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there's no version available on modern hardware. To play, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older titles, there's hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this game initially launched on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version reached North America and Europe via a PSP port. It's also available on the PlayStation Vita. Currently, there's no modern console version available. The game follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they battle a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Eternal Punishment is a direct sequel to Innocent Sin, released in 2000. It continues the story of the "Joker Curse" but from the perspective of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike its predecessor, Eternal Punishment saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation. It was remade for the PSP in 2011 and made available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. Unfortunately, it's not available on modern hardware, but rumors suggest Atlus might be planning a combined remake of Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.

Persona 3

Persona 3 marked a turning point, stepping 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." The enhanced version, Persona 3 FES, released the following year for the PS3, includes an additional epilogue.

Persona 3 has seen multiple remakes. Persona 3 Portable, an abridged version, was initially released for the PSP but later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for these platforms were released in 2023, and some consider Portable the best iteration of Persona 3.

The latest remake, 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

Two years after Persona 3, Persona 4 hit the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game dives into a classic murder mystery, with teens using personas to unravel a series of killings. Persona 4 has garnered immense love from fans.

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

Persona 5

While Persona 4 turned heads, Persona 5 catapulted the series into mainstream recognition. Released simultaneously for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, it follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, wrongfully accused of assault and forced to relocate to Tokyo. There, he becomes entangled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical spaces born from people's delusions, and leads the Phantom Thieves on their "take your heart" missions.

The enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, released in North America in March 2020, just as the country began to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a captivating glimpse of Tokyo. 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 the respective platform's online store.