"2025 Guide: Legal Platforms for All Persona Games"

With the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus' *Persona* series has cemented its status as an iconic JRPG franchise. *Persona 5* itself has become so iconic that it attracts gamers to Shibuya station, eager to capture the legendary image of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has undergone renovations, the iconic angle remains a must-see for fans.

The success of *Persona* may seem sudden, but its roots trace back nearly three decades as a spin-off of Atlus' other renowned RPG franchise, *Shin Megami Tensei*. Contrary to what the titles might imply, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not including the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. Note that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* does not fall under the *Persona* banner.

Exploring the rich 30-year history of this JRPG series is a rewarding experience, though availability varies. Here's how you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Be prepared; you might need a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw releases on Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation Portable. The game follows heroes who gain their personas through fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it's available on is the PlayStation Classic, released in 2018. This means there's no modern hardware version currently available; you'll need a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP to play it. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, 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 for the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available in North America and Europe on the PSP, with an additional release on the PlayStation Vita. This game follows high school students in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors alter reality. Currently, there's no way to play *Innocent Sin* on modern consoles.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000. Set shortly after the events of its predecessor, it introduces a new protagonist, a teenage reporter, continuing the saga of the "Joker Curse". Unlike *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* was released in North America simultaneously with Japan. A PSP remake was released in 2011, which was also 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 remake encompassing both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the moment the series stepped out from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. Launched in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America on the PlayStation 2, the game explores themes of death through a mysterious time anomaly called the "Dark Hour". An enhanced version, *Persona 3 FES*, featuring an additional epilogue, was released for the PS3 the following year.

*Persona 3* has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, initially released for the PSP, is now available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023, with many considering *Portable* the best version. The latest iteration, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is designed to appeal to fans of *Persona 5 Royal* and is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. Physical copies are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

In 2008, *Persona 4* was released for the PlayStation 2, presenting a murder mystery where teens use their personas to solve a series of killings. The game is widely adored by fans.

The enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, initially released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, is now accessible 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

Although *Persona 4* garnered significant attention, *Persona 5* truly catapulted the franchise into the mainstream. Originally released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4 in Japan, and in 2017 worldwide, the game's definitive edition, *Persona 5 Royal*, was released in 2020. *Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and moves to Tokyo, getting entangled in the world of "palaces" created by people's delusions. This is where the Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards come into play.

*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 can be found on their respective platform stores.