Where to Play All Persona Games Legally 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 it draws "gamer-tourists" to Shibuya station, eager to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves above the Shibuya Scramble. Interestingly, the station was remodeled, but the right angle for the photo can still be found.

Despite its current fame, the success of *Persona* developed gradually. Initially a spin-off of Atlus’ other RPG franchise, *Shin Megami Tensei*, the first *Persona* game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the titles might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not including the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. It's worth noting that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though some games are harder to find than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared, you might need 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 game's heroes gain their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it's been re-released on is the PlayStation Classic, Sony's 2018 mini-console. This means there's no version available on modern hardware. You'll need to find a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* games, a modern remastered version might be on the horizon.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this game was initially released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until over a decade later, in 2011, that a localized version was ported to the PSP, and it's also available on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no way to play *Innocent Sin* on modern consoles. The game follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. It continues the story a few months later, focusing on the "Joker Curse" but through the eyes of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. It was later remade for the PSP in 2011 and made 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 both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' emergence from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. 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 "Dark Hour" time anomaly. An expanded version, *Persona 3 FES*, with an additional epilogue, was released the following year for the PS3.

*Persona 3* has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version, was initially released for the PSP but later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023, and many consider *Portable* the best iteration of *Persona 3*. The latest remake, *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 versions are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game takes the form of a classic murder mystery, with 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 and 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, *Persona 5* catapulted the series into mainstream gaming culture. The original version was released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017. The enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, released in North America in March 2020, offering a glimpse of Tokyo just as the world entered the COVID-19 lockdown.

*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and moves to Tokyo to start anew. He soon becomes involved 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 game.

*Persona 5 Royal* is now available on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital copies are available through various online stores.