Ethan Crossfield 
Kotone Shiomi, the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable, is officially returning as a playable character in Persona 5: The Phantom X. Players can expect more information during a special broadcast on September 21, with her in-game arrival scheduled for September 24. Anyone interested in playing as the Persona 3 FeMC should follow the event details, while those avoiding gacha systems may want to wait for a clearer explanation of how she will be obtained.
What changed for Kotone Shiomi
Shiomi first appeared in Persona 3 Portable as an alternative to the standard protagonist, Makoto Yuki. Although she has remained popular with fans, she was not included in Persona 3 Reload, the 2024 remake of Persona 3. The remake’s producer previously attributed that omission to limited time and budget, and the character was never added later as downloadable content.
Her appearance in Persona 5: The Phantom X therefore represents her first return since her earlier spin-off appearances. The new trailer offers an initial look at Shiomi and other Persona 3 characters, although the available preview does not yet provide a full breakdown of her abilities or gameplay role.
Who should follow the collaboration
Persona 3 Portable fans have the clearest reason to pay attention, particularly those who wanted to see Shiomi represented in a modern, high-resolution 3D game. Outside her original title, she has appeared in spin-offs and related media, including Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth, where the cast uses a chibi visual style.
The crossover also expands The Phantom X’s existing connection to Persona 3. The global version previously added Makoto Yuki alongside SEES members Akihiko Sanada and Yukari Takeba. The Chinese version, which is further ahead with character releases, has also introduced Mitsuru Kirijo, Fuuka Yamagishi, Junpei Iori, Koromaru, and Aigis. It remains unclear whether those additional characters will reach the global release around Shiomi’s launch.
What players should expect next
Shiomi is expected to become available on September 24, following the September 21 broadcast. A side story may accompany her arrival, but the source information does not confirm its details. Players should also remember that Persona 5: The Phantom X is a gacha game. Beyond any event story, obtaining Shiomi may require players to rely on the game’s randomized character-acquisition system rather than simply unlocking her through ordinary progression.
That model has already created a divided response. Some fans are glad that Shiomi is returning in any form, while others are disappointed that her comeback is tied to a gacha collaboration instead of a Persona 3 Reload update. The upcoming broadcast should clarify her presentation, availability, and place in the event.
What players should know
- Kotone Shiomi will be playable in Persona 5: The Phantom X.
- More information is scheduled for a special broadcast on September 21.
- Her official addition is planned for September 24.
- A new side story may accompany the collaboration, but its details are not confirmed.
- The Phantom X uses a gacha system, so obtaining Shiomi may involve randomized pulls.
- Her absence from Persona 3 Reload was previously linked to time and budget limitations.
Expert View
Kotone Shiomi’s return is meaningful for Persona 3 Portable fans, especially after Persona 3 Reload passed over the character. However, the collaboration is not a substitute for a dedicated remake appearance, and the gacha format may limit how satisfying the comeback feels for some players. The September broadcast should determine whether the event offers enough story and character detail to make the return worthwhile.
