In the wake of the release of Persona 5 Royal, Atlus' Persona series has firmly established itself as one of the most iconic JRPG franchises. Persona 5, in particular, has become so iconic that fans, often referred to as gamer-tourists, flock to Shibuya station to capture the famous shot of the Phantom Thieves overlooking the Shibuya Scramble. Although the station has been remodeled, the iconic angle can still be found.

But the success of the Persona series developed surprisingly slowly. Originally a spin-off of Atlus' other RPG franchise, Shin Megami Tensei, the first Persona game was released nearly three decades ago. Contrary to what the game titles 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 does not count as a Persona game.

Exploring the rich, 30-year history of this JRPG series is highly rewarding, though some games are harder to find than others. Here's a guide on 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 releases on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation Portable. The game's heroes gain their personas through an epic fortune-telling session. Unfortunately, the most recent hardware it has been re-released on is the PlayStation Classic, Sony's 2018 remake of the original PlayStation.

Currently, there is no version of this game available on modern hardware. You'll need to find a physical copy if you still have a PS1, PlayStation Classic, or PSP. However, given Atlus' commitment to remaking older Persona games, there's hope for a modern remastered version in the future.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 2—Innocent Sin

Also known simply as Persona 2: Innocent Sin, this second Persona game was released on the PlayStation in 1999, but only in Japan. It wasn't until over a decade later, in 2011, that a localized version was ported to the PSP and made available in North America and Europe. It's also available on the PlayStation Vita.

Unfortunately, there's no way to play Persona 2: Innocent Sin on modern consoles at the moment. The game follows a group of high schoolers 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 and was released the following year, in 2000. The story picks up a few months after Innocent Sin and continues to explore the "Joker Curse," but through the eyes of a new protagonist, a teenage reporter.

Unlike Innocent Sin, 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, allowing PS3 owners to play it in 2013.

Unfortunately, Eternal Punishment is not available on modern hardware. However, there's a strong possibility that Atlus is considering a two-for-one remake of Innocent Sin and Eternal Punishment.

Persona 3

Persona 3 marked the moment when the series stepped out from the shadow of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Initially released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006 in Japan and 2007 in North America, the game follows a group of teens grappling with the concept of death as they investigate a mysterious time anomaly known as the "Dark Hour." An expanded version, Persona 3 FES, which includes an additional epilogue, was released the following year and is playable on the PS3.

Persona 3 has seen multiple remakes. Persona 3 Portable, an abridged version, was originally released for the PSP but later became available on the PS4, Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Physical versions for the Xbox One, Switch, and PS4 were released in 2023. Many consider Portable to be the best iteration of Persona 3.

The latest version, 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. Physical versions are available for the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

Persona 4

Just two years after Persona 3, Persona 4 was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. This game takes the form of a classic murder mystery, with a group of teens using their personas to solve a series of murders. Persona 4 is widely beloved.

An enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, was released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012. Golden is now available on nearly every platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Physical versions are available for all hardware except the PC.

Persona 5

While Persona 4 garnered attention, Persona 5 is the game that propelled the Persona series into mainstream gaming culture. The original version was released simultaneously for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan in 2016 and worldwide in 2017. The enhanced, definitive version, Persona 5 Royal, was released a few years later, with its North American launch in March 2020 coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persona 5 follows a protagonist, codenamed Joker, who is wrongfully accused of assault and relocates to Tokyo to start anew. He soon becomes involved in the world of "palaces," metaphysical realms created by people's delusions. The Phantom Thieves and their "take your heart" calling cards are central to this game.

Persona 5 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.