"Legal Ways to Play 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 attracts fans to Shibuya station, eager to capture the famous scene of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Though the station has undergone renovations, you can still find the perfect spot to recreate that memorable shot.

Despite the meteoric rise of *Persona 5*, the franchise's success was built over time. Initially a spin-off from 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 including 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 some titles are harder to come by than others. Here's a guide to where you can legally play each of the mainline *Persona* games. You might want to consider investing in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. In this game, characters gain their personas through a thrilling fortune-telling session. However, the most recent re-release was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there's no version available on modern consoles. To play, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. Fans can look forward to potential future remasters from Atlus.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this game was first released on the PlayStation in 1999 but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available on the PSP in North America and Europe, and it's also accessible on the PlayStation Vita. Currently, there's no way to play this game on modern hardware. The storyline follows high school students in the fictional town of Sumaru as they battle a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors have the power to alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. It continues the story just months after the events of its predecessor, focusing on the "Joker Curse" but through the eyes of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. It received a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000 and a PSP remake in 2011, which was also available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 users in 2013. While it's not on modern hardware, a potential remake of both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment* could be on the horizon.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the moment when the series stepped out from the *Shin Megami Tensei* franchise's shadow. Initially released 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 mysterious "Dark Hour." *Persona 3 FES*, which includes an additional epilogue, is available on the PS3.

The game has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version originally for the PSP, is now playable on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical releases for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 in 2023. Many consider *Portable* the definitive *Persona 3* experience. The latest remake, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, catering especially to fans of *Persona 5 Royal*. Physical copies are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game delves into a murder mystery, with the protagonists using their personas to unravel a series of killings. *Persona 4* has garnered a passionate following.

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

Persona 5

While *Persona 4* captured attention, *Persona 5* propelled the series into mainstream gaming culture. Released simultaneously on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, *Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who's falsely accused of assault and moves to Tokyo. He soon becomes entangled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this narrative.

The enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released in North America in March 2020, provided a glimpse into Tokyo as the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. *Royal* is now playable on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital copies available.