Persona 5 Royal: what’s new, Nintendo Switch spin-off and UK release date

An upcoming new version of hit Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Persona 5 will introduce an exciting line-up of new characters and features, series developer Atlus has announced.

Unveiled at the Persona Super Live concert in Japan, Persona 5 Royal includes the full version of the PlayStation 4 hit title from 2016, along with a new location to explore and an expanded story that delves into the events that occur immediately after the end of the original game, says Polygon.

Atlus posted an extended teaser trailer for the new title shortly after its reveal on Wednesday that showcases some of the game modes and characters.

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Here’s what we know so far about the revamped JRPG:

When will it come out?

Persona 5 Royal is set to launch on the PS4 in Japan on 31 October, followed by the US and Europe in early 2020.

Will it launch on the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch?

No, the mainline Persona games are exclusive to Sony’s console.

However, GameSpot says that a spin-off game, called Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers, is being developed for the Nintendo Switch and will take the form of a fighting game.

The title appears to be in the vein of the Dynasty Warriors franchise, where players are tasked with defeating hordes of enemies using their characters’ personas - mythical-like spirits with their own unique powers.

A release date for Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers may be announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which runs from 11 to 14 June.

How is it different to Persona 5?

Persona 5 Royal is based on the events of the original game, where players follow the lives of a group of teenagers with supernatural powers who form a vigilante gang called the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

Set at the functional Shujin Academy in Tokyo, players are tasked with battling enemies at night known as Shadows in the Metaverse - a magical world with manifestations of the seven deadly sins. During the day, players can explore the school, socialise with the game’s eclectic mix of characters and even go on dates with other students.

In the new title, players will be able to access “a more elaborate story” with additional puzzles, characters and locations to explore, says Engadget. There are also new activities to take part in, including darts and snooker, and even additional “dating spots”.

The upcoming game will also explore the untold third semester at Shujin Academy, says Eurogamer. And the JRPG’s graphics and user interface have been given a makeover, too.