Which is the best version of the Persona 3 Reload? Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, PC, PS4, and more compared

Persona 3 Reload was released on Nintendo Switch last year, but the initial version wasn’t very polished. I previously reviewed the Switch port and have been tracking its improvements. Atlus recently released an update aiming for a smoother 60 frames per second and fixing some technical issues. I originally planned to compare the game across different platforms when the Switch 2 version came out, but Atlus indicated they were still working on updates, so I decided to wait. Today, I’m sharing a detailed comparison of Persona 3 Reload on PS5, Switch 2, PS4, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, PC, and Xbox Series X. I’ll be looking at how the game looks and performs on each system – including load times and responsiveness – to help you decide which version is best for you.

Persona 3 Reload release timeline

Let’s quickly recap how Persona 3 Reload was announced and eventually released on different platforms before we dive into the game’s versions and what sets them apart.

June 2023: Persona 3 Reload is announced for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC Steam, PS4, and PS5 release.
February 2024: Persona 3 Reload launches for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC Steam, PS4, and PS5 release.
September 2024: Persona 3 Reload’s major DLC Episode Aigis launches for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC Steam, PS4, and PS5 release.
July 2025: Persona 3 Reload is announced for Nintendo Switch 2.
October 2025: Persona 3 Reload launches for Nintendo Switch 2 worldwide with no DLC included.
December 2025: Persona 3 Reload for Switch 2 gets updated to address frame pacing issues and add a performance mode.

Persona 3 Reload content differences by platform and DLC

Persona 3 Reload is available as a standard game, or in special editions that include extra costumes, music, and other bonus content. However, the Expansion Pass, which contains additional story content, is sold separately on all platforms. To experience the complete game, you’ll need to purchase both the base game and the Expansion Pass. Currently, all digital versions of Persona 3 Reload are the same price, though the Switch version initially launched with a $10 discount – that price difference has now been corrected. For a detailed look at all the downloadable content, including cosmetics and music, check out my dedicated Persona 3 Reload DLC guide.

Persona 3 Reload visuals

Persona 3 Reload, rebuilt with Unreal Engine 4, launched on both current and previous generation consoles. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions aimed for a smooth 60 frames per second at 4K resolution with realistic ray-traced reflections. The PS4 Pro version ran at 30 frames per second and didn’t include those reflections, but still looked sharp with a resolution above 1080p. The initial PC release had some performance issues with reflections turned on, but updates quickly improved things. Now, the game runs smoothly at 60fps on the Steam Deck and even faster on the ROG Ally when reflections are disabled.

Persona 3 Reload on Switch 2 runs at 30 frames per second whether it’s played on a TV or in handheld mode, and it uses a resolution of 1080p. Interestingly, this is a lower resolution than what the game achieves on the PlayStation 4 Pro. If you’re playing on a TV, you can choose a performance mode that boosts the frame rate, but it does reduce some of the visual details like shadows and ambient occlusion.

The images shown were captured using a 4K device while playing on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 (running on a PS5), Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 in its standard quality setting. They’ve been cropped to clearly highlight the differences in reflections and resolution between each console.

Okay, so I’ve been playing Persona 3 Reload on the Switch 2, and it’s definitely improved since launch, but honestly, I was hoping for a bigger leap. When I play it on my TV, it looks pretty much the same as when I’m playing handheld, which is good. But if you switch to performance mode, you can really see the compromises in some parts. I already thought the lighting wasn’t quite right compared to the original Persona 3 – a lot of areas felt too bright – and it’s a little frustrating that Atlus is still holding back on the Switch 2 version compared to what they did on older consoles. I’m a big fan, but I was expecting a bit more polish.

Persona 3 Reload performs exceptionally well on PC handhelds. On the ROG Ally, it runs smoothly at 1080p resolution with a frame rate of 60fps or higher. The Steam Deck version also achieves a stable 60fps at 720p, though reflections are disabled. While reflections can sometimes cause performance dips in the Tartarus areas of the game, this is less noticeable on the ROG Ally.

Please note: The images you see here are screenshots. We used the built-in screenshot tools on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, along with the Switch 2’s screenshot feature (as there’s currently no other way to capture handheld gameplay from the Switch 2). We then cropped the images to clearly show the difference in image quality and screen reflections when comparing games running at 60 frames per second on the Steam Deck and ROG Ally versus the 30 frames per second mode on the Switch 2’s handheld screen.

Persona 3 Reload performance: frame rates and input lag

Persona 3 Reload runs smoothly on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, consistently hitting 60 frames per second. On PlayStation 4 Pro, it aims for 30fps but has some unevenness in how frames appear, though it’s better than the initial experience on the Switch 2. Thankfully, a December 2025 update fixed those issues on the Switch 2, now maintaining a steady 30 or 60fps when docked, with only occasional minor dips. However, the game’s controller settings are problematic. The analog stick deadzones are poorly implemented, causing noticeable lag and making the game feel less responsive. There’s currently no way to adjust this on consoles, especially at 30fps. While the 60fps mode feels better due to the faster speed and reduced lag, this issue needs to be fixed on all platforms, as it’s most noticeable on the Switch 2.

Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consistently maintain smooth gameplay at 60 frames per second while displaying games in full 4K resolution with detailed reflections. The upcoming Switch 2 struggles to stay at 60fps, even with reduced visual settings. Currently, the Steam Deck and ROG Ally provide the best handheld gaming experiences, with the ROG Ally offering slightly better performance. However, the Steam Deck OLED has the best handheld screen and maintains a solid 60fps.

Just so you know, the image shows gameplay captured from the new Switch 2 while it’s docked. It was recorded in performance mode and the standard 30 frames per second setting, using a 4K capture device. The image has been cropped to clearly highlight the differences in ambient occlusion between these two modes.

Persona 3 Reload load time differences across Switch 2, PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, and Steam Deck

The game suffers from lengthy load times at the start, forcing players to sit through unskippable logos and warnings on every platform. Even if you quickly press buttons to bypass them, the initial load from the dashboard to the title screen takes too long. I tested load times on multiple systems – including the PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally – using internal storage whenever possible, as well as a PS4 Pro and a PS5 with an external hard drive. I also tested the PS4 version on a PS5. The times below are in seconds, and ranges indicate slight variations in my test results. I loaded a save file set in the school building during the early part of the game for each test.

Platform	Dashboard to title	Loading save
PS4 Pro	55-58	5-6
PS4 on PS5	46	7
PS5	29-30	1-2
XSX	35-40	2
Switch 2	36-37	4-5
Steam Deck	37-40	3
ROG Ally Xbox Store	48-50	2.5-3
ROG Ally Steam	30	3-5

Persona 3 Reload has a lengthy startup sequence on all systems due to unskippable warnings and logos. The only way to bypass this is by using sleep mode on Nintendo Switch or Quick Resume on Xbox. When it comes to loading save files and loading within the game, the PlayStation 5 is the quickest, followed very closely by the Xbox Series X. While no platform is particularly slow, the PS5 consistently offers the fastest loading times both at the start of the game and during gameplay.

Which is the best version of Persona 3 Reload?

Similar to how I approached Final Fantasy VII Remake, I’ve chosen what I think are the best versions of Persona 3 Reload for playing on a TV and for portable play. Many players likely tried the game on Game Pass or PlayStation/PC and now want a handheld option. Currently, the PS5 version offers the best experience for TV play, with the most detailed graphics and quickest loading. The Xbox Series X version is nearly as good. While the Switch 2 version isn’t quite at that level, it’s still a decent port, especially after the recent patch. In fact, I can now recommend the Switch 2 version without major reservations. If you value the ability to play on the go and easily switch to TV mode with the dock, it’s a perfectly good way to enjoy Persona 3 Reload.

If you want to play Persona 3 Reload on the go, the ROG Ally offers the best experience. It delivers a sharp 1080p picture, beautiful reflections, quick loading, and can even hit frame rates above 60fps, taking full advantage of the Ally’s smooth display. The Steam Deck OLED is a close second, and arguably better if you prefer a stable 60fps, as its screen really makes Persona 3 Reload’s vibrant colors pop. While a 60fps mode on the Switch 2 could make it competitive, it currently isn’t ideal for portable play – even at 30fps, there’s noticeable input lag. However, if you don’t have access to a PC handheld, the Switch is still a decent option, and the larger screen looks good in 1080p.

Which version of Persona 3 Reload should you buy?

Let’s wrap up this Persona 3 Reload comparison by looking at the strengths of each platform’s version.

Persona 3 Reload on PS4: If you only have a PS4, it isn’t terrible, but the load times hold it back in addition to some frame pacing issues. If you buy it digitally or physically, it has a free upgrade to the PS5 version though, which is a lot better.
Persona 3 Reload on PS5: If you want to play on your TV, want the fastest load times, and don’t care about portable play (unless you stream to a PlayStation Portal or phone), this is the version to get and the best console version of Persona 3 Reload. The faster load times push this above the Xbox Series version as far as I’m concerned.
Persona 3 Reload on Switch 2: If you only own a Switch 2 or see yourself playing both handheld and docked, this is a good way to play Persona 3 Reload right now. It still is a conservative port given how Atlus should offer a performance mode handheld and higher resolution docked, but at least it is now in a place where I can safely recommend it to those who play on Nintendo’s new hybrid console. If you see yourself mostly playing docked, consider playing it on PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Persona 3 Reload on Steam: If you play on Steam Deck or PC in general, this is the only version you should consider. It plays fantastic on Steam Deck (and better on ROG Ally) out of the box, looks amazing on the OLED screen, and lets you scale up if you also play on your main PC with support for 120fps. There is no disadvantage to the Steam release.
Persona 3 Reload on Xbox: If you have access to a PC handheld or play on Xbox Series consoles and PC, the Play Anywhere feature is a big selling point in addition to the Quick Resume feature on Xbox for Persona 3 Reload. This lets you save time compared to every other platform that wastes your time on the initial load. Unfortunately, the load times are longer here as with all Xbox on PC or Xbox versions thanks to how long syncing takes, but it isn’t too much worse on the console itself. I don’t know how it is on Xbox Series S, but I have no complaints with the visuals or performance on Xbox Series X.

I hope this guide helped you choose the best version of Atlus’s new remake, or encouraged you to replay it if you already own it – it’s a fantastic version of a truly great RPG! I’ll update this guide if any further updates come out for the Nintendo Switch 2 version. While this comparison focuses on Persona 3 Reload, I know some of you might be wondering how it stacks up against previous releases. If you’re curious about that, I recommend checking out AustinSV’s in-depth comparison video.

Persona 3 Reload is now released on Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC through Steam.

2026-01-31 20:59