"Where to Legally Play All Persona Games in 2025"

Since the launch of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus’ *Persona* series has firmly established itself as an iconic JRPG franchise. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so iconic that fans and tourists alike visit Shibuya station to capture the famous scene of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has since been remodeled, the iconic angle is still achievable.

The success of the *Persona* series, however, was not an overnight phenomenon. Originally a spin-off of Atlus’ *Shin Megami Tensei* series, the first *Persona* game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the numbering might suggest, there are actually six mainline *Persona* games, not including various spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. Notably, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* does not fall under the *Persona* umbrella.

Exploring the rich 30-year history of this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though accessing some titles can be challenging. Here’s a guide on where to play all the mainline *Persona* games legally. Be prepared: you might need a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona* was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with subsequent versions for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The storyline follows heroes who gain their personas through fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the latest hardware re-release is on the PlayStation Classic from 2018.

Currently, there are no versions available on modern consoles. You’ll need a physical copy and a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP to play. However, given Atlus’ commitment to remaking older *Persona* titles, fans hope for a modern remaster in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known simply as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was released for the PlayStation in 1999, initially only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available on the PSP, and it's also accessible on the PlayStation Vita.

There are no modern console releases for *Innocent Sin*. The game follows high school students in the fictional Sumaru City as they confront a villain named Joker, whose rumors can alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin* and was released in 2000. Set shortly after the events of *Innocent Sin*, the story continues the "Joker Curse" saga but through the eyes of a teenage reporter.

Unlike its predecessor, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. It was later remade for the PSP in 2011 and became available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 users in 2013. Unfortunately, it's not available on modern hardware, but there's hope for a future combined remake of both *Innocent Sin* and *Eternal Punishment*.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series’ emergence from the shadow of *Shin Megami Tensei*. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for the PlayStation 2, it follows teens grappling with the concept of death while exploring the mysterious "Dark Hour". An extended version, *Persona 3 FES*, added an epilogue and is playable on PS3.

*Persona 3* has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, initially for the PSP, was later released on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical versions available in 2023. Many consider *Portable* the definitive version. The latest remake, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, appealing especially to fans of *Persona 5 Royal*. Physical versions 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. It's a fan-favorite.

The enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, launched for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and is now available across multiple platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical copies are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

*Persona 4* garnered attention, but *Persona 5* catapulted the series into mainstream gaming fame. Released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4 in Japan, and worldwide in 2017, the definitive version, *Persona 5 Royal*, followed a few years later, with a North American release in March 2020, just as the world faced the COVID-19 shutdown.

*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being falsely accused of assault, moves to Tokyo and gets entangled 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 playable 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 respective online stores.