Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025

In the wake of the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus’ *Persona* series has cemented its status as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so iconic that gaming enthusiasts flock to Shibuya Station just to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. While that area of the station has been remodeled, fans can still find the perfect angle to recreate the iconic scene.

Yet, the success of the *Persona* series was a gradual build. Originally a spin-off of Atlus’ *Shin Megami Tensei* series, 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 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 this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though some titles may be harder to find than others. Here’s a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. A heads up: you might need to consider investing in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, was later made available on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game’s story revolves around heroes gaining their personas through a dramatic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release is on the PlayStation Classic, a 2018 mini-console. This means there is no version of the game available on modern hardware. You’ll need a physical copy for your PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP to play it. However, with Atlus’s track record of remaking older *Persona* titles, fans are hopeful for a future modern remaster.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Known simply as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was initially released for the PlayStation in Japan in 1999, but didn't reach North America and Europe until its 2011 PSP localization. It's also playable on the PlayStation Vita. The game follows a group of high school students in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain, Joker, whose rumors have the power to alter reality. Unfortunately, there’s no modern console version of *Innocent Sin* available at this time.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. It continues the story of the "Joker Curse" but through the eyes of 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 made available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. While not available on modern hardware, there's a strong possibility that Atlus might consider a remastered release of both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' emergence from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for the PlayStation 2, it follows a group of teens exploring the mysterious "Dark Hour." An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, with an additional epilogue, was released for the PS3. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version, initially launched for the PSP and later became available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical releases in 2023. 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, with physical versions for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

*Persona 4*, released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2, is a beloved murder mystery where a group of teens use their personas to solve a series of murders. The enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, initially released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, is now available on nearly every modern platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

*Persona 5* transformed the series into a household name among gamers. Initially released for the PS3 and PS4 in 2016 in Japan and 2017 worldwide, the definitive version, *Persona 5 Royal*, was released in North America in March 2020. The game follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being wrongfully accused of assault, moves to Tokyo and becomes involved in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. *Persona 5 Royal* is now available on almost all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital copies available.