"Best Legal Ways to Play Persona Games in 2025"

In the wake of the release 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 travel to Shibuya station just to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has undergone renovations, enthusiasts can still find the perfect angle for their photos.

The success of the Persona series, however, was not immediate. Originally a spin-off of Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei franchise, 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 the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. It's worth noting that Metaphor: ReFantazio is not considered part of the Persona series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though some titles are easier to find than others. Here's where you can legally play all the mainline Persona games. Be prepared, you might need to invest in a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

Revelations: Persona was first released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with subsequent versions for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's story revolves around heroes who gain their personas through 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, fans can hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this game was initially released in Japan for the PlayStation in 1999. It wasn't until 2011 that a localized version became available in North America and Europe on the PSP, with a version also available on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no way to play Innocent Sin on modern consoles. The game 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

Eternal Punishment is a direct sequel to Innocent Sin, released in 2000. The story continues a few months after the events of Innocent Sin and focuses on the "Joker Curse" 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 made available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. While not available on modern hardware, there's a strong possibility that Atlus might consider a combined remake of 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 a group of teens grappling with the concept of death as they explore the "Dark Hour." An expanded version, Persona 3 FES, which includes an additional epilogue, was released the following year for the PS3.

Persona 3 has seen multiple remakes. Persona 3 Portable, an abridged version, was initially released for the PSP and later made available on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for the Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023, and many consider Portable to be 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

Persona 4 was released in 2008 for the PlayStation 2 and quickly became a beloved classic. The game presents a murder mystery where a group of teens use their personas to solve a series of murders. An enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012 and is now available on nearly every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

Persona 5 catapulted the series into mainstream gaming culture. Initially released for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017, it introduced players to the protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and moves to Tokyo. There, he becomes involved with the Phantom Thieves and navigates the world of "palaces," metaphysical spaces born from people's delusions.

The enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, released in North America in March 2020, offered a tantalizing glimpse of Tokyo just as the world entered lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 available through various online stores.