"Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus’ *Persona* series has solidified its status as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. *Persona 5* stands out as a cultural phenomenon, with fans flocking to Shibuya station to capture the iconic scene of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has been remodeled, enthusiasts can still find the perfect angle to recreate this memorable shot.

Despite its current fame, the success of the *Persona* series was a slow burn. Originally a spin-off of Atlus’ *Shin Megami Tensei* series, the first *Persona* game debuted 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. It's worth noting that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not considered part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG saga is a rewarding experience, though some titles are harder to find than others. Below is a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared, as you might need to invest in a PSP to access some of these gems.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw versions for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. In this game, players gain their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent release of this title is on the PlayStation Classic, Sony’s 2018 reissue of the original PlayStation. Currently, there is no version available on modern hardware, so you’ll need to find a physical copy for a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, fans can hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was initially released for the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It took over a decade for a localized version to reach North America and Europe via the PSP in 2011, with a version also available on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no modern console version of *Innocent Sin*. The story follows high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they battle 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. Set a few months after its predecessor, it continues the narrative of the "Joker Curse" but through the eyes of a teenage reporter. Unlike *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* received a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation. A PSP remake followed in 2011, and it was also available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. While not available on modern hardware, there's a good chance Atlus might be working on a combined remake 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 teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the "Dark Hour" phenomenon. An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, including an additional epilogue, was released for the PS3 the following year.

Subsequent remakes include *Persona 3 Portable*, initially for the PSP and later available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical releases for the latter three in 2023. Many consider *Portable* to be the definitive version of *Persona 3*. The latest iteration, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, catering 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* launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game delves into a gripping murder mystery, with teens using their personas to unravel 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 available across multiple platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except the PC.

Persona 5

While *Persona 4* turned heads, it was *Persona 5* that catapulted the series to widespread acclaim. Initially released for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in 2016 in Japan and 2017 worldwide, *Persona 5* introduced players to the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. The protagonist, codenamed Joker, navigates Tokyo after being wrongfully accused of assault, joining forces with the Phantom Thieves.

The enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released in North America in March 2020 amidst the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a glimpse of Tokyo during lockdown. *Royal* is now accessible on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital versions available on their respective online stores.