Persona 5: The Phantom X to Feature Kotone Shiomi Crossover in 30th Anniversary Celebration

Key points

• Kotone Shiomi joins Persona 5: The Phantom X on September 24, 2026, via a special crossover update.
• The update includes a new 3D model for Kotone, unique moves, and special abilities adapted from Persona 3 Portable.
• New arrangements of songs from Persona 3 Portable, including a remix of 'A Way of Life,' are being added to the game.
• Makoto Yuki, Yukari Takeba, and Akihiko Sanada from Persona 3 Reload return starting September 15, 2026, with their event stories replayable.
• The crossover is part of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the Persona series, with further details to be revealed in a broadcast on September 21, 2026.

Background

Persona 3 Portable, originally released for the PlayStation Portable on July 6, 2010, introduced Kotone Shiomi as a female protagonist option. For nearly 16 years, Kotone was largely confined to the mobile title, as the 2024 remake, Persona 3 Reload, only featured the original male protagonist. The 2026 crossover marks the first time Kotone has received significant spotlight in a modern release since her debut.

How outlets are covering it

Bleeding Cool and Persona Central both confirm the September 24 release date for Kotone Shiomi and the inclusion of new music and 3D models. Annenberg Media provides additional context, noting that the crossover is part of the Persona series' 30th anniversary celebrations and that the trailer features new art for Kotone and other characters like Saori Hasegawa and Rio Iwasaki. All sources agree on the return of Makoto Yuki, Yukari Takeba, and Akihiko Sanada starting September 15, 2026, with their event stories being replayable. No significant disagreements were found among the sources.

Why it matters

This crossover update is significant as it brings a long-unseen character into a modern Persona title for the first time in nearly 16 years. It also highlights Atlus's commitment to celebrating the Persona series' 30th anniversary with new content and collaborations, potentially attracting both new and returning players to Persona 5: The Phantom X.

What to watch

A Persona X-Stream broadcast is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM UTC, which will reveal more details about the crossover. Players can expect the full Kotone Shiomi update on September 24, 2026, and can play the returning characters from Persona 3 Reload starting September 15, 2026.