Atlus' *Persona* series, especially *Persona 5*, has become a JRPG icon. Fans even visit Shibuya station to recreate iconic scenes, a testament to the franchise's impact. However, this success story unfolded gradually. *Persona*, a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, debuted nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the game titles might suggest, there are six mainline *Persona* games, not five, excluding spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions (*Metaphor: ReFantazio* is not included).
Exploring this rich 30-year history is worthwhile, though accessibility varies. Here's where to legally play all mainline *Persona* games. A PSP might be a worthwhile investment.
Revelations: Persona
| Platforms | PS1, PlayStation Classic, PSP |
Released in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with later releases on Windows and PSP, Revelations: Persona sees heroes gaining Personas after a fateful fortune-telling encounter. Unfortunately, its most recent official release was on the PlayStation Classic. Finding a physical copy for PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP is your best bet. A modern remaster is hopefully on the horizon.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2 — Innocent Sin
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita |
Initially released in Japan in 1999, Persona 2: Innocent Sin saw a North American and European release on PSP in 2011, also available on PlayStation Vita. Currently, no modern console versions exist. The story follows high schoolers in Sumaru battling the reality-bending villain, Joker.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
| Platforms | PlayStation, PSP, PlayStation Vita, PS3 |
A direct sequel to Innocent Sin, released in 2000, Eternal Punishment features a new protagonist, a teen reporter, continuing the "Joker Curse" storyline. It had a simultaneous North American PlayStation release and later PSP and PS3 (via PSN) releases in 2011 and 2013 respectively. No modern versions currently exist, but a potential remake alongside Innocent Sin seems likely.
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 |
Marking the series' independence from Shin Megami Tensei, Persona 3 (2006/2007) on PS2 tackled themes of death and a mysterious time anomaly, "The Dark Hour." Persona 3 FES (PS3) added an epilogue. Persona 3 Portable (PSP, later PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch) offered a portable version, considered by some the best iteration. The latest, Persona 3 Reload (2024), is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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 on PS2, Persona 4 presents a murder mystery where teens use Personas to solve crimes. Persona 4 Golden (2012, Vita; later PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch, PC) is widely available now.
Persona 5
| Platforms (Persona 5) | PS3, PS4 |
| Platforms (Persona 5 Royal) | PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
Persona 5 (2016/2017, PS3/PS4) catapulted the series to mainstream fame. Persona 5 Royal (2020 onwards) enhanced the experience and is available on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The story follows Joker, wrongly accused of assault, who becomes entangled in the world of "Palaces."
