Atlus has enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, with titles like Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Unicorn Overlord, and Metaphor: ReFantazio all performing exceptionally well. While the studio hasn’t officially confirmed any 2025 releases, recent developer comments hint at upcoming announcements. Let’s explore some exciting possibilities. Please note that these are speculative and not guaranteed releases.
alt text: Persona 5 The Phantom X characters, Wonder and his owl companion Ruferu
1. Persona 5: The Phantom X Western Release
The most likely announcement is a Western release of Persona 5: The Phantom X. Developed by Perfect World Games, this mobile gacha game expands the Persona 5 universe with a new cast of characters, led by Wonder and his owl companion, Ruferu. While retaining the core Persona 5 gameplay, The Phantom X incorporates mobile-friendly gacha mechanics.
Currently available in China and other Asian regions, a Western launch seems highly probable given Persona 5‘s immense popularity. A console port alongside the mobile release could further broaden its reach, potentially even as a Nintendo Switch launch title considering the success of Persona 5 Royal on the platform.
2. Persona 6 Official Announcement and Potential Release
alt text: Collage of key art from Persona 3, 4, and 5
Rumors surrounding Persona 6 are constantly surfacing, fueled by the series’ growing fanbase. While Atlus has confirmed active development, an official announcement with a trailer or gameplay footage would generate significant excitement. The absence of key figures like Katsura Hashino, Shigenori Soejima, and Shoji Meguro, who now work at Studio Zero on Metaphor: ReFantazio, adds intrigue to the project.
With development potentially dating back to 2018, a 2025 reveal seems plausible. Atlus has a strong track record of meeting release deadlines, as demonstrated by Persona 3 Reload‘s swift turnaround from announcement to launch. Could Persona 6 follow a similar trajectory?
3. Metaphor: ReFantazio DLC/Expansion
alt text: Metaphor: ReFantazio game cover art
Studio Zero’s Metaphor: ReFantazio has achieved critical acclaim, earning numerous Game of the Year awards and accolades for its RPG elements, narrative, and art direction. Given its success, additional content in the form of DLC or an expansion appears highly likely.
While Atlus typically focuses on remasters like Persona 5 Royal and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Persona 3 Reload‘s Expansion Pass demonstrates their willingness to expand existing narratives. Metaphor: ReFantazio‘s ending leaves room for further exploration, making DLC a compelling prospect.
4. Shin Megami Tensei Remaster
alt text: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance game cover
The Shin Megami Tensei series has gained considerable Western traction, echoing the success of Persona. Remastering older titles for current-gen consoles is a prevalent trend, and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance itself exemplifies this approach with its updated storyline and features.
Shin Megami Tensei IV, originally a 3DS exclusive, is a strong candidate for a remaster, offering a broader audience the chance to experience this acclaimed title. Similarly, the Digital Devil Saga duology (2004-2005), with its modern SMT gameplay mechanics, could also see a revival. These remasters could provide fans with engaging content while awaiting new mainline entries in the SMT or Persona franchises.
5. Persona 1 & 2 Remakes Announcement
alt text: Promotional art featuring characters from Persona 1 and Persona 2
While a Persona 6 announcement would undoubtedly be a major event, remakes of the original Persona titles would also generate considerable buzz. Many fans discovered the series with Persona 3, but the foundations of the franchise lie in Revelations: Persona, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, and Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
While remaking all three is unlikely, series producer Kazuhisa Wada has expressed interest in revisiting these games. Though not currently in development, the possibility of remakes, particularly for the highly requested Persona 2, remains. Remaking the classics could be a compelling way to showcase the series’ evolution and engage both long-time fans and newcomers.
