"Best Legal Platforms for 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 in Tokyo, eager to capture the legendary scene of the Phantom Thieves loitering above the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has undergone remodeling, enthusiasts can still find the perfect angle to recreate the shot.

But the journey to this level of acclaim was gradual. *Persona* is actually a spin-off of Atlus' other RPG franchise, *Shin Megami Tensei*, with the first game released nearly three decades ago. Interestingly, despite the numbering in the titles, there are not five, but six mainline *Persona* games, not including various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. It's worth noting that *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring this rich, 30-year JRPG history is highly rewarding, although some titles are more accessible than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. You might want to consider investing in a PSP for some of these.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona*, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, has also seen releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's narrative kicks off with our heroes gaining their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it's been re-released on is the PlayStation Classic, a 2018 remake of the original PlayStation. As a result, there's no way to play this game on modern hardware without obtaining a physical copy for a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, fans remain hopeful for a future remastered version.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this second installment of the series 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 became available on the PSP for North American and European audiences. The game is also accessible on the PlayStation Vita. Currently, there is no way to play *Innocent Sin* on modern consoles. The story revolves around a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru, who confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors have the power to alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released in 2000, and follows the "Joker Curse" storyline with a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike its predecessor, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation. It was later remade for the PSP in 2011, and this version was also available on the PlayStation Network, making it accessible to PS3 owners in 2013. However, there's no modern hardware version available yet, though rumors suggest Atlus might be considering a combined remake of *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the moment when the series stepped out from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for the PlayStation 2, it follows a group of teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the "Dark Hour." An extended version, *Persona 3 FES*, came out the following year, offering an additional epilogue and is playable on the PS3.

The series has seen multiple remakes since. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version, initially released for the PSP, was later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical versions for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 released in 2023. Many consider *Portable* to be the best version of *Persona 3*. The latest iteration, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, catering especially to fans of *Persona 5 Royal*. Physical versions are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after *Persona 3*, *Persona 4* was released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2. This game is a classic murder mystery where teens use their personas to solve a series of murders. *Persona 4* has garnered immense affection from fans.

An enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and has since been made available on nearly every modern platform: 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* caught attention, *Persona 5* catapulted the series to mainstream recognition. Initially released in 2016 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan, and worldwide in 2017, the definitive enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, was released a few years later, with its North American debut in March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the global COVID-19 shutdown.

*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being wrongfully accused of assault, moves to Tokyo to start anew. He becomes embroiled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms born from people's delusions. This game introduced the iconic Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards.

*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 accessible through the respective platform's online stores.