"Legally Play All Persona Games in 2025: Where to Find Them"

With the release of *Persona 5 Royal*, Atlus' *Persona* series has cemented its status as a cornerstone of the JRPG genre. *Persona 5*, in particular, has become so iconic that it draws gamers to Shibuya station, seeking the perfect shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has been remodeled, fans can still capture the classic angle.

Yet, the success of *Persona* was a gradual journey. Originally 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 actually six mainline *Persona* games, excluding spin-offs, remakes, and enhanced versions. And no, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* isn't considered part of the *Persona* series.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of the *Persona* series is highly rewarding, though some games are harder to find than others. Here's where you can legally play all the mainline *Persona* games. Note: You might need a PSP.

Revelations: Persona

*Revelations: Persona* first hit shelves in 1996 for the original PlayStation, with subsequent releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game follows heroes who gain their personas through fortune-telling. However, the most recent re-release is on the PlayStation Classic, leaving no modern hardware options. To play, you'll need a physical copy for the PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. There's hope, though, as Atlus has shown interest in remastering older *Persona* titles.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known as *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*, this sequel was released on the PlayStation in 1999 in Japan, and a localized version became available on the PSP in 2011 for North America and Europe. It's also playable on the PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately, there's no modern console version yet. The story revolves around high schoolers in Sumaru City battling a villain named Joker, whose rumors alter reality.

Persona 2: Eternal Punishment

*Eternal Punishment*, a direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, was released in 2000. It continues the story of the "Joker Curse" through the eyes of a teenage reporter. It saw a simultaneous North American release on the PlayStation and was later remade for the PSP in 2011, with a PS3 version available via the PlayStation Network in 2013. No modern hardware version exists yet, but there's buzz about a potential remake.

Persona 3

*Persona 3* marked the series' departure from *Shin Megami Tensei*'s shadow, launching on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America. It explores themes of death and time anomalies known as the "Dark Hour." *Persona 3 FES*, released the following year, added an epilogue and is playable on the PS3.

The game saw multiple remakes: *Persona 3 Portable*, initially for PSP, later released on PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with physical versions in 2023. The latest, *Persona 3 Reload*, released in 2024, caters to fans of *Persona 5 Royal* and is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. Physical versions are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

*Persona 4*, released in 2008 on the PlayStation 2, presents a gripping murder mystery where teens use their personas to solve a series of killings. The beloved game received an enhanced version, *Persona 4 Golden*, in 2012 for the PlayStation Vita, now available on nearly every modern platform including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all platforms except PC.

Persona 5

*Persona 5* elevated the series to mainstream fame. Released in 2016 for PS3 and PS4 in Japan and 2017 worldwide, its enhanced version, *Persona 5 Royal*, arrived in 2020. The story follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, wrongfully accused and thrust into Tokyo's world of "palaces," manifestations of human delusions. *Persona 5 Royal* is now available across modern platforms, including PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with both physical and digital versions available.