Persona 3 Reload made its long-awaited debut on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2025, but the celebration has been muted. The port sold just 7,000 physical copies in Japan during its first week, a number that’s raising eyebrows considering the franchise’s popularity and the Switch 2’s growing install base. Even more concerning are the technical issues that have reviewers and players frustrated with what should have been a slam dunk release.
The Sales Reality Check
Moving 7,000 physical copies in your first week might sound respectable for an indie title, but for a major JRPG from Atlus featuring one of gaming’s most beloved franchises, it’s underwhelming. To put this in perspective, Persona 5 Royal’s various releases performed significantly better, even when factoring in that it was also a late port to Switch. There are several factors at play here that explain the lackluster numbers.
First, this is a late port of a game that originally launched in early 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Anyone who was desperate to play Persona 3 Reload has had nearly two years to do so on other platforms. Second, digital sales aren’t included in this count, and given that the Switch 2 audience tends to skew heavily digital, the actual total sales are likely higher. Still, the physical numbers paint a picture of a port that arrived too late to make a big splash.
Performance Problems Plague Handheld Play
The bigger story isn’t the sales, it’s the technical execution. Multiple reviews have pointed out serious performance issues with the Switch 2 version, particularly in handheld mode, which is supposedly the entire point of bringing the game to Nintendo’s platform. The game suffers from frame pacing problems that create a stuttering, hitching feeling during gameplay.
Reviewers noted that any section with free camera control and 3D movement feels noticeably worse in handheld mode. Exploring Tartarus, the game’s massive randomly generated dungeon tower, can feel anywhere from barely acceptable to outright bad depending on the scene. Some players even reported input lag issues where camera movement doesn’t register properly when running and trying to turn simultaneously.
The 30fps Compromise
Persona 3 Reload runs at a locked 30 frames per second on Switch 2, compared to 60fps on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. While 30fps isn’t automatically a dealbreaker for a turn-based RPG, the game never quite feels smooth even at this conservative target. What’s puzzling is that Atlus didn’t implement variable refresh rate support or take advantage of other Switch 2 display technologies that could have made the experience feel better.
For comparison, the game runs at 60fps on Steam Deck without major issues, which makes the Switch 2’s performance particularly disappointing. The Switch 2 is generally considered to sit performance-wise between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, so in theory, it should handle a cross-gen title like Persona 3 Reload more gracefully. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Atlus prioritized visual fidelity over frame rate and optimization.
It Looks Great But Feels Rough
Here’s the silver lining: Persona 3 Reload looks visually stunning on Switch 2. Reviewers who spent dozens of hours with the port consistently praised the image quality, noting that very little appears to be downgraded from the other console versions. The game’s stylish UI, character models, and environments all translate beautifully to the Switch 2’s display, especially in handheld mode where the smaller screen helps mask any minor compromises.
But looking good isn’t the same as playing well. The disconnect between how gorgeous the game appears and how rough it feels to play is the core frustration. Some reviewers suggested that Atlus should have been willing to dial back some visual elements in exchange for smoother performance, especially for handheld play where most players will spend their time.
| Platform | Frame Rate | Resolution | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 60fps | 4K | Modern reflections, fastest load times |
| Xbox Series X | 60fps | 4K | Modern reflections, Game Pass available |
| Switch 2 | 30fps | Dynamic | Portable play, PS4-level reflections |
| Steam Deck | 60fps | 800p | Portable, adjustable settings |
Missing DLC Sweetens Nothing
Another disappointment is that the Switch 2 version doesn’t include any of the downloadable content from the other versions. For fans who already played through Persona 3 Reload on another platform, there’s no compelling reason to double-dip here. No bonus costumes, no music packs, and critically, no clarification on whether Episode Aigis (the game’s major story expansion) is included.
The launch trailer only showed base game footage, which has led to confusion about what exactly players are getting. Episode Aigis is a substantial piece of content that serves as a playable epilogue starring the character Aigis, and its absence or unclear inclusion status makes the port feel even more like an afterthought.
Who Should Buy This Version
Despite the issues, Persona 3 Reload on Switch 2 isn’t a total loss. If you primarily play docked on your TV and you’ve never experienced Persona 3 Reload before, this version is perfectly serviceable. The game itself is phenomenal – a lovingly crafted remake of the 2006 RPG that defined the modern Persona formula, complete with updated graphics, new voice acting, additional scenes, and quality-of-life improvements that make the original’s rougher edges much more palatable.
The story of high school students fighting supernatural shadows during a hidden hour between one day and the next remains as emotionally gripping as ever. The social simulation elements where you build bonds with classmates and townsfolk are the heart of what makes Persona special, and all of that translates perfectly regardless of platform. But if your main reason for wanting the Switch 2 version is handheld play on the go, you might want to wait and see if Atlus patches some of these performance problems.
FAQs
When did Persona 3 Reload release on Switch 2?
Persona 3 Reload launched on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2025. It was announced during a Nintendo Direct partner showcase in July 2025 and is available in both physical and digital formats.
How many copies did Persona 3 Reload sell on Switch 2?
The Switch 2 version sold approximately 7,000 physical copies in Japan during its first week. This number only accounts for physical sales and doesn’t include digital purchases, which could be significantly higher given the Switch 2 audience’s preference for digital games.
What are the main technical issues with Persona 3 Reload on Switch 2?
The primary issues are frame pacing problems that cause stuttering and hitching, especially in handheld mode. The game runs at 30fps compared to 60fps on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Players have also reported occasional input lag during exploration, particularly when moving the camera while running.
Does the Switch 2 version include Episode Aigis DLC?
It’s currently unclear whether Episode Aigis, the major story expansion featuring the character Aigis, is included with the Switch 2 version. The launch trailer only showed base game footage, and Atlus hasn’t explicitly confirmed what DLC content is included with the port.
Is Persona 3 Reload better on Switch 2 or Steam Deck?
Steam Deck offers better performance with 60fps gameplay, though it requires owning the PC version of the game. The Switch 2 version looks slightly better visually but suffers from worse frame pacing and performance issues in handheld mode. If you already own the PC version, Steam Deck is likely the better portable option.
Should I wait for a performance patch before buying?
If handheld play is your primary reason for wanting the Switch 2 version, it might be worth waiting to see if Atlus releases patches to address the frame pacing issues. However, if you plan to play mostly in docked mode, the current version is acceptable, though not optimal.
Why did Persona 3 Reload sell poorly on Switch 2?
Several factors contributed to the low sales numbers. The game is a late port that launched nearly two years after the original release on other platforms. Most interested players likely already purchased it elsewhere. The physical sales figure also doesn’t account for digital purchases, which are increasingly common on Switch 2.
Conclusion
Persona 3 Reload’s arrival on Switch 2 should have been a victory lap for one of 2024’s best RPGs. Instead, it’s a cautionary tale about the importance of proper optimization and timing. The game itself remains excellent, with its blend of dungeon crawling, social simulation, and emotional storytelling hitting just as hard as it does on other platforms. But technical hiccups and lackluster first-week sales paint a picture of a port that needed more time in the oven.
For newcomers who primarily play docked, this version will serve you well enough. The core experience is intact, and having Persona 3 Reload portable at all is better than not having it. But for those hoping to curl up in bed or play on their commute, the handheld performance issues are hard to ignore. Atlus has shown they’re willing to support their games post-launch, so there’s hope that future patches will smooth out the rough edges. Until then, this Switch 2 port is a mixed bag that’s hard to recommend without reservations.