In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus’ Persona series has firmly established itself as an iconic JRPG franchise. Persona 5 has become so iconic that fans, often referred to as gamer-tourists, flock to Shibuya Station in Japan just to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves above the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has been remodeled, fans can still find the right angle to recreate the scene.
However, the success of the Persona series developed gradually. Originally 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 counting numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. Note that Metaphor: ReFantazio is not part of the Persona series.
Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though finding some of the games can be challenging. 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
| Platforms | PS1, PlayStation Classic, PSP |
Revelations: Persona, released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, later saw releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. In this game, the protagonists gain their personas through an epic bout of fortune-telling. Unfortunately, the most recent re-release was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there's no version available on modern hardware. To play this game, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. 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
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita |
Also known as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this sequel was released for the PlayStation in 1999 but initially only in Japan. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version was ported to the PSP, and it's also available on the PlayStation Vita. Like Revelations: Persona, there's no way to play Innocent Sin on modern consoles. The story follows a group of high school students in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors have the power to alter reality.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita, PS3 |
Eternal Punishment is a direct sequel to Innocent Sin, released in 2000. It takes place shortly after the events of Innocent Sin and deals with the "Joker Curse" through a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. This game had a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation in 2000. It was remade for the PSP in 2011 and made available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. Unfortunately, Eternal Punishment is not available on modern hardware, but there's hope that Atlus might consider a remastered release for both Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.
Persona 3
| Platforms (Persona 3) | PlayStation 2 |
| Platforms (Persona 3 FES) | PlayStation 3 |
| Platforms (Persona 3 Portable) | PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Platforms (Persona 3 Reload) | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
Persona 3 marked the series' emergence from the shadow of Shin Megami Tensei. Released for the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America, it follows teens investigating the mysterious "Dark Hour." An expanded version, Persona 3 FES, featuring an additional epilogue, was released the following year for the PS3.
Persona 3 also received multiple remakes. Persona 3 Portable, originally for the PSP, was later made available on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical versions released in 2023. 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. Reload appeals particularly to fans of Persona 5 Royal, with physical versions available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Persona 4
| Platforms (Persona 4) | PlayStation 2 |
| Platforms (Persona 4 Golden) | PlayStation Vita, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Persona 4, released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2, presents a classic murder mystery where teens use their personas to solve a series of killings. The game has earned a passionate following.
The enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012, is now available across multiple platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.
Persona 5
| Platforms (Persona 5) | PS3, PS4 |
| Platforms (Persona 5 Royal) | PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
Persona 4 turned heads, but it was Persona 5 that catapulted the series to mainstream fame. Released simultaneously for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, Persona 5 follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and moves to Tokyo. He becomes involved with the "palaces," metaphysical spaces created by people's delusions, and joins the Phantom Thieves, famous for their "take your heart" calling cards.
The definitive version, Persona 5 Royal, released in North America in March 2020, 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.
