If you’re diving into Persona 3 for the first time, then you must have heard of it having multiple versions. In particular, it has three: Persona 3, Persona 3 FES, and Persona 3 Portable. Since Persona 3 FES is the better version of Persona 3, we’ll be comparing that to Persona 3 Portable.
Should I play Persona 3 FES or Persona 3 Portable?
Of the two, Persona 3 FES is the better version from a technical standpoint. Aside from better graphics from it being a console release, it’s also the most complete version of Persona 3 you can play. Meanwhile, Persona 3 Portable was made for the PSP, which had very limited hardware. For instance, it’s mostly point-and-click (except for dungeons) instead of the usual analog exploration game. They also cut out a ton of side events in Persona 3 Portable.
However, Persona 3 Portable is the only version of the game that gives you the option to play as a female protagonist. Aside from the same core plot, playing as a female protagonist in Persona 3 is a much different experience compared to the original.
Is Persona 3 Portable still worth playing?
While Persona 3 FES is the game to play for the series, you should definitely pick up Persona 3 Portable if you’re planning to play as a female protagonist. There are a ton of differences between the two routes, including but not limited to the following:
- Music
- Romance options
- Social links
- Events
- Attendant (you get the only male attendant in the series so far, Theo, if you play as the female protagonist)
The female protagonist isn’t just a female version of Makoto (the male character). She’s someone unique—especially in personality. Because of this, interactions and most of the dialogue is completely different. For example, While Makoto is aloof, Kotone, the female protagonist, is more playful and outgoing.
In fact, if you want to follow the Persona 3 lore more closely, you can play Persona Q2 for the Nintendo 3DS. Here, Atlus reveals that both the male and female Persona 3 protagonists exist in separate universes.
For more Persona guides, take a look at Persona 5 vs Persona 5 Royal – Differences, explained and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax full roster and character list here at Pro Game Guides.
Bianca has over three years of experience in gaming journalism, specializing in anything remotely turn-based and strategic, like Pokémon, Final Fantasy, and Honkai: Star Rail. She's a huge fan of Square Enix, RPGs, party games, and visual novels, but will play anything with a banger OST. She's a proud early bird.