"Legal Ways to Play All Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus' Persona series has firmly established itself as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. Persona 5 in particular has become so iconic that fans, often referred to as "gamer-tourists," flock to Shibuya station to capture the iconic shot of the Phantom Thieves loitering above the Shibuya Scramble. Although that part of the station has been remodeled, you can still find the right angle to get the perfect picture.

But the success of the Persona series developed surprisingly slowly. Persona is actually a spin-off of Atlus' other RPG franchise, Shin Megami Tensei, and the first game was released nearly three decades ago. Despite what the titles of the games might suggest, there aren't five mainline Persona games—there are six. This count does not include the various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. For clarity, Metaphor: ReFantazio does not count as a Persona game.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is well worth it, though some games may be harder to find than others. Here's where you can legally play all the mainline Persona games. A heads up: you might want to invest in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

Revelations: Persona was first released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with subsequent releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The story follows heroes who gain their personas after an epic session of fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most modern hardware this game has been re-released on is the PlayStation Classic, which is Sony's 2018 remake of the original PlayStation.

In other words, there's no version of this game available on modern hardware. You'll need to find a physical copy if you still have a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, Atlus seems committed to remaking the older Persona games, so fans are hopeful for a remastered version on modern platforms in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known simply as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this second Persona game was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It didn't reach North America and Europe until over a decade later, when a localized version was ported to the PSP in 2011. It's also available on the PlayStation Vita.

Unfortunately, this is the most recent release of the game. Like Revelations: Persona, there's currently no way to play Persona 2: Innocent Sin on modern consoles.

Innocent Sin follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they contend with a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors seem to alter the fabric of reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Eternal Punishment is a direct sequel to Innocent Sin and was released the following year, in 2000. The story picks up a few months after Innocent Sin and continues to explore the "Joker Curse," but through the eyes of a different protagonist, a teen reporter.

Despite its close connection to Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment was more widely available, receiving a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. Like Innocent Sin, it was remade for the PlayStation Portable in 2011, and this remake was also available on the PlayStation Network, allowing PS3 owners to access it in 2013.

The downside is that Eternal Punishment is not available on modern hardware. The upside is that there's a high chance Atlus might be considering a two-for-one remake of Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.

Persona 3

Persona 3 is the game that finally brought the series out from under the shadow of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. It was originally released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America. The game follows teens struggling to understand death as they investigate a mysterious time anomaly known as the "Dark Hour." An enhanced version, Persona 3 FES, which includes an additional epilogue, was released the following year and is available on the PS3.

Beyond FES, Persona 3 has seen several remakes. An abridged version, Persona 3 Portable, was first released for the PSP but later made available on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for the Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023. Many consider Portable to be the best iteration of Persona 3.

The most recent version is the 2024 remake, Persona 3 Reload, which is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. Reload appeals especially to fans of Persona 5 Royal. Physical versions are available for the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after Persona 3, Persona 4 was released 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 a passionate following.

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 hardware except the PC.

Persona 5

While Persona 4 turned heads, it was Persona 5 that propelled the Persona series into mainstream gaming culture. The original version was released simultaneously for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017. The enhanced, definitive version, Persona 5 Royal, was released a few years later, launching 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 is wrongfully accused of assault and relocates to Tokyo to start anew. He soon finds himself drawn into the world of "palaces," powerful metaphysical places created by people's delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this game's narrative.

Persona 5 Royal is now available on almost all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Physical and digital copies can be found on your platform's online store.