With 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 emblematic that fans travel to Shibuya Station to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station was remodeled, the iconic angle can still be found.
However, the series' success was a slow burn. Originally a spin-off of Atlus' *Shin Megami Tensei* franchise, the first *Persona* game debuted nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the game titles might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not including various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. Note that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not part of the *Persona* series.
Exploring the rich 30-year history of the JRPG genre through the *Persona* series is highly rewarding, although some titles are harder to find than others. Here’s a guide to where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared: you might need a PSP.
Revelations: Persona
| Platforms | PS1, PlayStation Classic, PSP |
*Revelations: Persona* was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with later ports to Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation Portable. The game's heroes gain their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release is on the PlayStation Classic, a 2018 revival of the original PlayStation console.
This means there's no version of the game on modern hardware. You'll need to find a physical copy and a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP to play it. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, a modern remastered version may be on the horizon.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita |
Also known simply as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel hit the PlayStation in 1999 but was initially only available in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version was released for the PSP in North America and Europe. It's also available on the PlayStation Vita.
Sadly, this remains the most recent release of the game, and it's not available on modern consoles. *Innocent Sin* follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality itself.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita, PS3 |
*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released the following year in 2000. The story picks up a few months later and continues to explore the "Joker Curse" through the eyes of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter.
While closely tied to *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* saw a wider release, including a simultaneous North American launch on the PlayStation in 2000. It was remade for the PSP in 2011 and became available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. Unfortunately, it's not available on modern hardware, but there's hope for a future two-for-one remake of *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.
Persona 3
| Platforms (Persona 3) | PlayStation 2 |
| Platforms (Persona 3 FES) | PlayStation 3 |
| Platforms (Persona 3 Portable) | PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Platforms (Persona 3 Reload) | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
*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 investigate the mysterious "Dark Hour". An enhanced version, *Persona 3 FES*, with an additional epilogue, was released the next year and is playable on the PS3.
*Persona 3* has seen several remakes. The abridged *Persona 3 Portable*, originally for the PSP, was later released on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical copies for the Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were available in 2023, and many consider *Portable* to be the best iteration of the game.
The latest version, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is designed to appeal to fans of *Persona 5 Royal*. It's available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, with physical copies for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Persona 4
| Platforms (Persona 4) | PlayStation 2 |
| Platforms (Persona 4 Golden) | PlayStation Vita, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* debuted on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game takes the form of a classic murder mystery, with a group of teens using their personas to solve a series of murders. *Persona 4* has garnered immense love from fans.
An enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012. *Golden* is now available on nearly every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.
Persona 5
| Platforms (Persona 5) | PS3, PS4 |
| Platforms (Persona 5 Royal) | PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
While *Persona 4* drew attention, *Persona 5* transformed the series into a household name among gamers. Released simultaneously for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, its enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, followed a few years later. Notably, *Royal* was released in North America in March 2020, offering a glimpse of Tokyo just as the country entered lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being wrongfully accused of assault, moves to Tokyo to start anew. He becomes entangled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions, and leads the Phantom Thieves, known for their "take your heart" calling cards.
*Persona 5 Royal* is now available on almost all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital copies can be found on the respective platform's online store.
