In a thrilling turn of events for Persona fans, the remastered Persona 3 Portable, previously available only in digital format, is stepping into the physical realm with a range of collector’s editions, including one that’s turning heads for an unexpected reason—a $200 package that includes a replica of a significant in-game item: the Evoker gun.

Limited Run Games, a boutique publisher renowned for its dedication to bringing digital-only titles into the physical world, has unveiled its lineup of Persona 3 Portable editions for multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox platforms. These editions cater to fans with varying preferences and budgets.

Standard Edition ($35): This edition provides the core experience of Persona 3 Portable, offering players the game itself.
Grimoire Edition ($70): Stepping up from the standard version, this edition includes a stylish SteelBook case and a captivating grimoire-shaped box.

Get fully loaded with the Persona 3 Portable S.E.E.S. Edition! This mother of all collector's editions includes extra premium goods, like trading cards, a shadowbox & a light-up, 1:1 replica of the Evoker!
Pre-orders launch on September 29th. Learn more: https://t.co/sygwRPynXw pic.twitter.com/3c34gGOzig
— Limited Run Games (@LimitedRunGames) September 25, 2023

However, it’s the $200 SEES edition that has the community buzzing with excitement. In addition to the game, this deluxe package offers a treasure trove of exclusive collectibles, such as a certificate of authenticity, a character shadowbox, a soundtrack CD, an SEES armband, and a set of character trading cards. Yet, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the “1:1 Evoker replica shadowbox” that lights up.

For those not well-versed in Persona lore, Persona 3 introduced the concept of Evokers—a gun-like device used by the protagonists to summon their Personas, mystical entities that grant them their powers. In a memorable, albeit controversial, ritual, characters would point the Evoker at their own forehead and pull the trigger. This iconic imagery has remained etched in the minds of Persona fans as a defining element of Persona 3.

Limited Run Games’ decision to include a “1:1 Evoker replica shadowbox” in the collector’s edition pays homage to this distinct feature of the game, a move that both surprises and earns respect from fans.

All three editions of Persona 3 Portable will be available for pre-order on Limited Run Games’ website from September 29 through November 12. Given the publisher’s name, it’s safe to assume that these physical editions may become rare collectibles once the pre-order window closes.

For those trying to keep track of the various iterations of Persona 3, here’s a quick rundown: the original game, simply titled Persona 3, made its debut on the PS2 in 2006. A year later, an expanded version with additional content arrived, known as Persona 3 FES, also on the PS2. Subsequently, Persona 3 Portable, a PSP version of the game with even more enhancements, became available.

Earlier this year, Persona 3 Portable received a modern, lightly remastered release on various platforms, including PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch, and PC. This is the version that is now receiving the special physical treatment from Limited Run Games.

Furthermore, a full-fledged remake called Persona 3 Reload is scheduled for release on February 2, 2024, with its own physical and collector’s edition options, albeit without any replica guns. Nevertheless, Persona 3 Reload has already generated considerable excitement among JRPG enthusiasts, as witnessed during a hands-on experience at Gamescom.

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