A few days ago, we posted some blurry Famitsu scans showcasing a new female protagonist for Atlus’ upcoming PSP port of Persona 3. Being the responsible journalist that I am, I immediately concluded that the only sensible explanation involved Persona 3’s protagonist getting a sex change. However, after more careful study of the Famitsu article (read: zooming out), Silconera is reporting that new information on the third coming of P3 has come to light.

It appears that the new female protagonist will not serve as an outright replacement for Persona 3’s blue-haired hero but rather as an alternative choice for players at the start of the game. Players choosing the female hero will be noticing some significant changes in the storyline, and the male hero’s story will be changed slightly as well. Additionally, changes have been made to the battle system, which now allows you to control all members of your party like in Persona 4.

Persona 3 Portable will release simultaneously in retail stores and as a digital download on September 1st in Japan. No word yet on whether or not it will be coming to the rest of the world, but seeing as how Atlus won’t allow anyone to be done with this game, I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear some sort of announcement from Atlus USA in the near future.