‘Persona 5’ Release Date Is February 2017, Special Editions Now Available For Preorder

Sorry, Persona fans: you won’t be seeing Persona 5, the latest mainline entry in the beloved JRPG series, until Valentine’s Day 2017. In advance of its appearance at E3 in Los Angeles next week, developer Atlus announced the game won’t make its way across the Pacific until five months after the Japanese release on Sept. 15.

Atlus also announced three Persona 5 special edition bundles available for preorder, including a steelbook launch edition with a unique cover priced at $59.99 and a "Take Your Heart" premium edition for $89.99, which includes all sorts of bonus goodies: a soundtrack CD, a hardcover book of the game's art, a collector's box, a school bag, a 4-inch Morgana plush and the PS4 edition of the game. The PS3 edition, which releases the same day, will set you back $49.99.

In an entry posted today on the Official PlayStation Blog, Atlus PR manager John Hardin responded to the anticipated chorus of fan disgruntlement following the release date announcement: “Now, even after all that, if you still are thinking: 'Why 2017!? You promised us 2015, and then 2016! Now it’s 2017?!!!?!' Well, the biggest factor in the 2017 release date is attention to detail. When we show off Persona 5 footage at E3 next week (Next week!), I think you’ll understand what we mean. We’re making sure every bit is in place. Persona has exponentially grown as a franchise, and considering that this is our first numbered sequel since 2008, Atlus is taking its time to ensure this is the best possible experience.”

While the delay is disappointing, it seems Atlus wants to do right by its English-speaking fans and give them a polished localization.

Atlus originally announced Persona 5 in 2013, with an expected release window of winter 2014. Persona 5 will finally come to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 in North America on Feb. 14, 2017.

What do you think about the amended release date? What are you planning to play to tide you over before P5? Will you purchase one of the special edition bundles? Share your thoughts in the comments.