Atlus' *Persona* series, particularly *Persona 5*, has become a JRPG powerhouse. Its iconic status is undeniable, with fans even recreating famous scenes in Shibuya. However, this success story unfolded gradually. *Persona*, a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, debuted nearly three decades ago, and contrary to popular belief, boasts six mainline entries, not five—excluding spin-offs and enhanced versions (*Metaphor: ReFantazio* excluded).
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 our heroes gaining Personas after a fateful encounter. Its most recent re-release was on the PlayStation Classic. A modern version is currently unavailable; you'll need a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, Atlus' commitment to remaking older titles offers hope for a future remaster.
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 appearing on PlayStation Vita. Currently, it lacks modern console availability. 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 teenage reporter, continuing the "Joker Curse" storyline. It enjoyed wider initial availability, with a simultaneous North American PlayStation release. A PSP remake in 2011 was also available on the PlayStation Network for PS3 owners in 2013. Currently unavailable on modern hardware, but a potential remake alongside Innocent Sin is plausible.
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) introduced teens investigating the "Dark Hour" time anomaly. Persona 3 FES (PS3) added an epilogue. Persona 3 Portable (PSP, later PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Switch) offered a more portable experience, considered by some to be the best version. The latest release, 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 for PlayStation 2, Persona 4 presented a murder mystery where teens use Personas to solve crimes. The enhanced Persona 4 Golden (2012, PlayStation Vita) is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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 success. The enhanced Persona 5 Royal (2020), following Joker's journey through "Palaces," is now available on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
