With the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus' *Persona* series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the JRPG genre. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so iconic that fans travel to Shibuya station to capture the famous scene of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Despite recent renovations, the exact angle for the perfect shot is still achievable.
Interestingly, the success of *Persona* was a gradual build-up. Initially a spin-off of Atlus' *Shin Megami Tensei* series, the first *Persona* game debuted nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the numbering might suggest, there are six mainline *Persona* games, excluding spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced editions. Notably, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not considered part of the *Persona* series.
Exploring the extensive 30-year history of the *Persona* series is rewarding, though some titles are harder to find than others. Here's a guide on where you can legally play each mainline *Persona* game. A heads-up: a PSP might come in handy.
Revelations: Persona
| Platforms | PS1, PlayStation Classic, PSP |
*Revelations: Persona* first hit the shelves in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with later ports to Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's narrative kicks off with the protagonists gaining their personas following a dramatic fortune-telling session. However, the most recent re-release was on the PlayStation Classic in 2018, meaning there's no version available on modern consoles. To play, you'll need a physical copy compatible with your PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. While there's hope for a future remaster, currently, there's no modern hardware support.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita |
Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was initially released in 1999 exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available in North America and Europe on the PSP, with a subsequent release on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no modern console version. The storyline follows a group of high schoolers in the fictional town of Sumaru as they confront a mysterious villain named Joker, whose rumors alter reality itself.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita, PS3 |
*Eternal Punishment* is the direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, released a year later in 2000. It continues the saga of the "Joker Curse" but shifts focus to a new protagonist, a teenage reporter. Unlike its predecessor, *Eternal Punishment* saw a simultaneous North American release and was later remade for the PSP in 2011, with a PS3 version available via the PlayStation Network in 2013. Currently, there's no modern console version, but fans remain hopeful for a potential remaster combining 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 a turning point for the series, stepping out from the *Shin Megami Tensei* shadow. Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America for the PlayStation 2, it follows a group of teens exploring the "Dark Hour" and grappling with the concept of death. The subsequent *Persona 3 FES* added an epilogue and is playable on the PS3.
*Persona 3* has seen multiple remakes. *Persona 3 Portable*, an abridged version originally for the PSP, was later released on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were available in 2023. *Portable* is often considered the best version. The latest remake, *Persona 3 Reload*, launched in 2024 and 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
| Platforms (Persona 4) | PlayStation 2 |
| Platforms (Persona 4 Golden) | PlayStation Vita, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC |
Released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2, *Persona 4* dives into a murder mystery, where a group of teens harness their personas to solve a series of killings. It's widely cherished by fans.
The enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and has since been made 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 |
While *Persona 4* captured attention, *Persona 5* propelled the series to mainstream fame. Initially released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4 in Japan, and worldwide in 2017, the definitive version, *Persona 5 Royal*, followed a few years later. Its North American release in March 2020 provided a vivid escape to Tokyo amidst the early days of the global shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
*Persona 5* follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who, after being falsely accused of assault, moves to Tokyo and becomes embroiled in the world of "palaces," metaphysical spaces born from human delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to the game.
*Persona 5 Royal* is now available across nearly all modern platforms: PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Both physical and digital copies are readily accessible on their respective platform stores.
