Persona 3 Reload Switch 2 Review

Over a year ago, Atlus returned to its roots with Persona 3 Reload, a full-scale remake of the beloved 2006 RPG widely regarded as laying the foundation for the modern Persona formula. With a stunning visual overhaul, refined gameplay systems, and a deeper narrative presentation, it was as successful as fans had hoped it would be. Sadly, its success would be somewhat diminished because it didn’t release on the Nintendo Switch.

Fast forward to today, and the beloved title finally makes its way to a much more capable handheld in the Switch 2. While practically the same game, save for some obvious hardware limitations compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series, Persona 3 Reload remains as engaging and captivating as it was last year.

A Modern Makeover

From the moment you load the game, it’s clear that Persona 3 Reload did not skimp on this remake. Built using Unreal Engine 4, the game boasts vibrant character models, expressive animations, and a sleek UI that became a trademark of Persona games. This design was key to giving the series its own identity, and has now been themed to fit Persona 3 Reload, layering various shades of blue into a stunning user interface.

Not stopping at the visuals, Persona 3 Reload also incorporates numerous modern enhancements to make accessing the game easier than ever before. The Tartarus dungeon, once criticized for its repetitive design, now features improved layouts and visual variety, making exploration more engaging and enjoyable.

The soundtrack has also been reimagined, with new arrangements of classic tracks and fresh vocal themes that complement the game’s melancholic tone. Longtime fans will appreciate the updates that do not forget what made the game a classic. At the same time, newcomers will find a polished experience that stands alongside modern RPGs, with enough depth blended with easy-to-understand gameplay.

Combat in Persona 3 Reload retains the turn-based structure fans are familiar with, but introduces quality-of-life improvements that make battles smoother and more intuitive. The revamped UI allows for quicker decision-making, and new mechanics like the “Shift” system, similar to Persona 5’s Baton Pass, add layers of strategy without overwhelming the player.

Social elements remain at the core of Persona 3 Reload. Building relationships, managing daily activities, and leveling up social stats are as rewarding as ever, and the calendar-based progression system means players need to plan activities properly to get the most out of the day, and the game’s pacing ensures that each day feels meaningful.

Persona 3 Reload tells a story of mortality, identity, and the bonds we form in the face of inevitable loss. The narrative is told much better with updated voice acting, expanded character interactions, and newly added scenes that flesh out the cast. Protagonist interactions feel more personal, and supporting characters, such as Junpei, Yukari, and Mitsuru, benefit from deeper development.

While the game doesn’t include content from Persona 3 FES or Portable, such as The Answer epilogue or the female protagonist route, it compensates with richer storytelling and a more modern presentation. For many, this will be the definitive way to experience Persona 3, but it is disheartening to see that some aspects of the game have yet to be included, especially since it has been a considerable amount of time since its release.

Switch 2 Performance

Playing the game on the Switch 2, Persona 3 Reload performs… okay? There’s a noticeable dip in image resolution, aiming for 1080 instead of the 4K quality from the PS5 and Xbox Series, but the smaller screen works to hide that visual flaw. Additionally, the game aims for 30fps, and while it maintains a steady frame rate at times, there are occasional dips and pacing issues that are somewhat noticeable, especially during Tartarus exploration. In fact, the game has no graphics settings to adjust, forcing players to contend with this drawback.

Frame dips also have their impact minimized since this is a turn-based RPG, so while 60fps would have been nice, it’s not a deal breaker, especially when you consider the flexibility and freedom that on-the-go handheld gaming provides. That said, it would have been nice if the performance stuck to its targets, considering the game had quite a timeline to make a proper jump to the Switch 2. Then again, we’re expecting a patch to fix things up, so waiting a bit could be an option.

Visuals are good enough, and given the hardware’s shortcomings in power, the portable experience more than makes up for it. Persona 3 Reload’s structure feels like it was designed for a portable device, allowing for bite-sized gameplay sessions in between, such as social link progression or navigating through several calendar days while commuting.

Verdict: Buy it!

Persona 3 Reload is a masterful reimagining of a genre-defining RPG. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this remake offers a compelling blend of style, substance, and emotional storytelling. While some legacy content is missing, the overall package is polished, immersive, and deeply rewarding.

Atlus has proven once again that some stories are worth retelling, and Persona 3 Reload is one of them. If you can overlook the potential drawbacks that its performance would bring, and you put a premium on the handheld on-the-go experience, then the game is very enjoyable.

*Persona 3 Reload was reviewed on a Switch 2 with a review code provided by the publisher.