"Best Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus' Persona series has solidified its status as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. Persona 5 has become so emblematic that gaming enthusiasts flock to Shibuya station to capture the iconic shot of the Phantom Thieves above the Shibuya Scramble, even though the area has been remodeled. The success of Persona developed gradually over time. Initially a spin-off of Atlus' other RPG franchise, Shin Megami Tensei, the first Persona game was released nearly three decades ago. Despite the numbering, there are actually six mainline Persona games, not counting the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. For clarity, Metaphor: ReFantazio is not part of the Persona series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of JRPGs with the Persona 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. You might want to consider investing in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

Revelations: Persona, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, also saw subsequent releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game follows heroes who gain their personas after a dramatic session of fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release is on the PlayStation Classic from 2018. No version currently exists on modern hardware, so you'll need a physical copy for PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remakes, there's hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Known simply as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this game was first released in Japan on PlayStation in 1999 and didn't reach North America and Europe until 2011 with a PSP port. It's also available on the PlayStation Vita. The story follows high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru battling a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality. Unfortunately, there’s no way to play Innocent Sin on modern consoles currently.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

Eternal Punishment, released in 2000, directly follows Innocent Sin. It was released in North America the same year and later remade for the PSP in 2011, with the remake also available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 in 2013. The game continues the "Joker Curse" storyline through a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Like its predecessor, Eternal Punishment is not available on modern hardware, but a potential two-for-one remake of both Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment is a possibility.

Persona 3

Persona 3 marked a significant shift, emerging from the shadow of Shin Megami Tensei. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for PlayStation 2, it deals with teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the "Dark Hour." The Persona 3 FES version, including an additional epilogue, was released for PS3. Persona 3 Portable, an abridged version, was initially for PSP but later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical releases in 2023. The latest iteration, 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.

Persona 4

Persona 4, released in 2008 for PlayStation 2, is a beloved murder mystery where teens use their personas to solve a series of murders. The enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, released for PlayStation Vita in 2012, is now available on nearly every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, with physical versions available for all except PC.

Persona 5

Persona 5 catapulted the series into mainstream gaming culture. Released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4 in Japan and worldwide in 2017, it follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused and moves to Tokyo. The enhanced Persona 5 Royal, released in North America in March 2020, introduced players to the world of "palaces" and the Phantom Thieves. Royal is now available on nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital copies available.