"Where to Legally Play Persona Games in 2025"

With the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus’ *Persona* series has firmly established itself as an iconic JRPG franchise. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so iconic that fans and gamers alike make pilgrimages to Shibuya station just to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. While the station itself has been remodeled, the iconic angle remains a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Yet, the journey to this level of success was not an overnight phenomenon. *Persona* began as a spin-off from Atlus’ *Shin Megami Tensei* series, debuting 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. And just for clarity, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG gem is highly rewarding, though some titles may be harder to find than others. Here’s a guide on where you can legally play each of the mainline *Persona* games. A word to the wise: you might need to invest in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw versions for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The narrative follows heroes who gain their personas following a dramatic fortune-telling session. The most recent re-release of the game was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there’s no version available on modern hardware. To experience this game, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus’ track record of remaking older *Persona* titles, fans can remain hopeful for a future remaster.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel hit the PlayStation in 1999, but initially only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available in North America and Europe, courtesy of the PSP. It's also accessible on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, *Innocent Sin* has not been updated for modern consoles. The storyline revolves around a group of high schoolers in the fictional Sumaru City battling a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality itself.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. Set shortly after the events of its predecessor, it follows a different protagonist—a teenage reporter dealing with the lingering "Joker Curse". While *Eternal Punishment* enjoyed a wider release, including a simultaneous North American launch in 2000, and later a PSP remake in 2011 available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013, it too remains unavailable on modern hardware. Yet, there’s optimism that Atlus might consider remaking both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment* together.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' emergence from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*, launching on PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America. The game delves into themes of death as its teenage protagonists explore the mysterious "Dark Hour". An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, featuring an additional epilogue, was released the following year for the PS3.

The game saw further remakes with *Persona 3 Portable*, initially released for the PSP and later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and even the Nintendo Switch, with physical copies released in 2023. Many consider *Portable* to be the definitive version of *Persona 3*. 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

Just two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This entry takes the form of a classic murder mystery, with its group of teens using their personas to solve a series of murders. The game is highly beloved among fans.

*Persona 4 Golden*, an enhanced version, debuted on the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and has since been made available across a wide array of platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical copies are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

While *Persona 4* garnered attention, *Persona 5* catapulted the series into the mainstream. Released simultaneously for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, *Persona 5* introduced players to the protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being wrongfully accused of assault, relocates to Tokyo. He soon discovers the concept of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's distorted desires, and forms the Phantom Thieves, known for their "take your heart" calling cards.

The enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released in North America in March 2020, just as the world was grappling with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. *Royal* is now available on nearly every modern platform, including PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital copies available through various online stores.