Most video game trading cards are nostalgia bundled inside a foil package, pulling from franchises that have been around for decades. Persona 5 Royal hasn’t been collecting dust on a shelf for nearly as long, but its influence has been hard to ignore. Nearly a decade after its original release, the Phantom Thieves are still stealing hearts, and now they’re taking aim at trading card collectors. Cardsmiths has announced Persona 5 Royal Series 1 Trading Cards, an officially licensed collection launching as part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebration. Rather than focusing on the broader Persona series, the debut set shines the spotlight squarely on Persona 5 Royal, arguably the game that transformed ATLUS‘ once niche RPG into a global phenomenon.
Each sleeved booster pack contains ten randomly assorted cards drawn from a list of more than 110 designs. The collection features familiar faces including Joker, Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, and other members of the Phantom Thieves, alongside key artwork and recognizable items from the game’s stylish Metaverse.
As with most modern collectible card releases, much of the excitement comes from the chase cards. Cardsmiths is including several premium insert types designed for collectors, including:
- Alter Ego Cards
- Serial Numbered Persona Refractor Cards
- Phantom Refractor Cards
- Tarot Cards
- Collector Parallel Rainbow Holofoil Cards
The emphasis on serialized refractors and premium parallels puts the collection firmly in the modern hobby category rather than serving as a simple novelty release. For Persona fans who already collect figures, soundtracks, and art books, these cards offer another avenue to celebrate the series, while trading card enthusiasts gain a licensed gaming property that hasn’t been heavily explored in the hobby.
But why a trading card game? Money, obviously. According to SEGA’s 2025 Integrated Report, the Persona 5 family of games, including Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal, and its various spin-offs, has surpassed 13 million copies sold worldwide. Meanwhile, the Persona franchise as a whole has crossed 30 million units sold, cementing its place among gaming’s most successful RPG series.
Pre-orders for Persona 5 Royal Series 1 Trading Cards are available now through Cardsmiths and select retail partners. Pricing is $7.99 for a single pack, $286.99 for a Booster carton (36 packs), and a Booster Master Case (144 packs) runs $1,149.99, with shipping set to begin on September 4, 2026.
