"Legal Play Options for All Persona Games in 2025"

With the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus' *Persona* series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the JRPG genre. *Persona 5* has become so iconic that it draws fans to Shibuya station in Tokyo, eager to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station was remodeled, the angle remains a must-see for fans.

But the journey to this level of acclaim was gradual. *Persona* originated as a spin-off from Atlus' other well-known RPG franchise, *Shin Megami Tensei*, with the first game released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the numbering might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not counting the various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. Note that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* does not fall under the *Persona* umbrella.

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

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, later saw ports to Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's premise revolves around high school students gaining their personas through fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release is on the PlayStation Classic, Sony's 2018 mini-console. This means there's no version available on modern hardware, requiring a physical copy for PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, with Atlus' commitment to remastering older titles, fans can hope for a future modern release.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version was made available in North America and Europe on the PSP, with an additional release on the PlayStation Vita. The game follows a group of high schoolers in Sumaru as they confront a villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality. Unfortunately, there is no modern console version available at this time.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment*, a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, was released in 2000. It continues the narrative of the "Joker Curse" but with a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike its predecessor, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation. It was later remade for the PSP in 2011, and a PS3 version became available on the PlayStation Network in 2013. Despite its absence on current-gen consoles, there's hope for a future remaster that might include both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' emergence from the *Shin Megami Tensei* shadow, debuting on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America. The game explores themes of mortality through the "Dark Hour" phenomenon. An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, added an epilogue and is playable on the PS3.

*Persona 3* has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, initially released for the PSP, was later ported to PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical releases in 2023. Many consider *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 PC, with physical versions for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

*Persona 4* launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2008, captivating players with its murder mystery storyline. The beloved game follows teens using their personas to solve a series of murders.

*Persona 4 Golden*, an enhanced version, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and later made available across multiple platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical copies are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

*Persona 5* catapulted the series into mainstream gaming culture. Initially released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in 2016 in Japan and 2017 worldwide, it introduced players to the world of "palaces" and the Phantom Thieves, led by the protagonist codenamed Joker. The enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released in North America in March 2020, just as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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