Check out all the Ace Attorney games listed in order! Learn how to play the games chronologically and enjoy this long-standing, awesome saga of adventures.
There are plenty of games in this adventure series, with the first dating back to 2001. And even though new game launches have slowed down a bit in recent years, there’s still plenty to play. Let’s check out all the games in the series in order now!
Ace Attorney Games Listed in Order
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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Release date: 2001 | Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Wii, iOS, Android
Note: As you can see in the “platforms” section above, I include both the original platforms you can play the game on, but also future releases.
The first game introduces us to the titular character, Phoenix Wright, a rookie defense attorney seeking to prove the innocence of his clients.
Engage in tense courtroom battles, gather evidence, and cross-examine witnesses to unravel the truth and fall in love irrevocably with the main character and the game’s unique style.
Related: If you love adventure games, make sure to also check out my list of Nancy Drew Games.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Justice for All
Release date: 2002 | Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Wii, iOS, Android
This is the second installment in the iconic legal drama series, where Phoenix Wright takes on four challenging cases filled with twists, deceit, and moral dilemmas.
Players will now go through intense investigations and courtroom showdowns, relying on sharp logic and the power of the magatama to expose hidden secrets and solve the new cases.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Trials and Tribulations
Release date: 2004 | Platforms: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Wii, iOS, Android
In the final game of the trilogy, past and present intertwine as Phoenix confronts formidable foes and discovers shocking revelations. Can you piece together the intricate web of intrigue?
You have five interconnected cases here, making you both sad because the trilogy ends, but also happy knowing that there’s more to come!
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Release date: 2007 | Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
The fourth installment, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, introduces a new protagonist, the enthusiastic Apollo Justice.
As you guide him through his journey, you’ll discover fresh gameplay mechanics, such as the Perceive system, which allows you to detect subtle cues from witnesses. Are you ready to step into Apollo’s shoes and uncover the truth?
Get the game now: Click here to check at Amazon. Alternative: Google Play Games.
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
Release date: 2009 | Platforms: Nintendo DS, iOS, Android
This spin-off game, Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth, places you in the role of prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, Phoenix’s rival. But overall, the game stays true to the original.
The gameplay shifts from courtroom battles to on-site investigations, requiring you to deduce facts and piece together the truth. Will your keen sense of logic guide you to victory in this captivating spin-off?
Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Path
Release date: 2011 | Platforms: Nintendo DS, iOS, Android
Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Path is the sequel to the first spin-off game, continuing the story of Miles Edgeworth.
As you uncover the secrets behind each case, you’ll delve deeper into the complex relationships and motives of the characters.
Can you navigate the intricate path of a prosecutor and bring the true culprits to justice?
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Release date: 2012 | Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows
The Trilogy brings back to life, with minor improvements and new platforms, the first three games of the series. The launch of he trilogy marked the switch from Nintendo-console exclusivity to more platforms for the game.
I recommend choosing the Trilogy if you don’t have the original three (or even if you do) because of the HD images and better translations, making the iconic “Objection!” moments a pleasure.
Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Release date: 2012 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is a 3DS exclusive that combines Professor Layton’s puzzle-solving expertise with Phoenix Wright’s courtroom drama in a unique crossover adventure.
This one is set in a fantasy, medieval city (Labyrinthia) where magic and deception work hand in hand to challenge you with both brain-teasing puzzles and intense legal battles to keep fans happy.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies
Release date: 2013 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
Returning to the main series with the fifth installment, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, brings Phoenix Wright back to the spotlight, along with Apollo Justice and newcomer Athena Cykes.
With her unique ability to analyze emotions, Athena adds a new layer to the gameplay. Are you prepared to tackle the emotional turmoil and dark mysteries that await?
Check out this amazing Poster from the game at Amazon.
The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures
Release date: 2016 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Android, iOS
This is a prequel to the original trilogy, set in the late 19th century, following Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an ancestor of Phoenix Wright, on his path to become a defense attorney.
Set in both Japan and Victorian England, the game introduces the jury system into play, as well as dynamic deductions with detective Herlock Sholmes (yup, not a typo, but you can check out the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes games list here) and plenty of great moments overall.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Release date: 2016 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
In the sixth mainline game, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, Phoenix travels to the Kingdom of Khura’in, where he faces a legal system that has done away with defense attorneys. But there’s Athena Cykes to help and it will be fun!
As you fight to restore justice, you’ll uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of the law. Can you overcome the odds and expose the truth?
The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve
Release date: 2017 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve continues the story of Ryunosuke Naruhodo, making it the second prequel to the original trilogy.
Also set in Japan and England, it comes with similar mechanics to the previous games, but also improved or new ones like collaborative deductions with Herlock Sholmes and a rich narrative that ties together loose ends.
Overall, a good conclusion to Ryunosuke’s story, even though this one was intended to be a trilogy too.
The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Release date: 2015, 2017 & 2021 | Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows
The Chronicles are a bit difficult to list, as the first game in the planned trilogy was launched in 2015 (The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures), followed by The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve, with no actual third game ever released before the English translation of The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles was launched.
This basically covers the two prequels and offers them in a single package, with little improvements compared to the original, if we’re not counting the translation.
If you are, make sure to check the game at Amazon and get it for Switch.
How to play the Ace Attorney games in Chronological order
If you want to play the games in the series in chronological order and not based on their release date, I’ve got you covered.
- The Great Ace Attorney: Adventures
- The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (or get the Trilogy to play games 3-5 in order)
- Phoenix Wright: Justice for All
- Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations
- Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth
- Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor’s Path
- Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies (or play the Chronicles instead)
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
The Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney game is not related to the series.
But I still recommend playing the games based on their release date, as the first in the series have fewer mechanics and feel a bit dated compared to the new ones.
More great games to check out if you like this series:
- Fire Emblem Games in Order
- Fallout Game Series Listed in Order
- Bloons TD Games Listed in Order
- Lemmings Games Listed in Order
- Welcome to Primrose Lake games in order
If a new game in the series is released before I get the chance to update this list, please let me know and I will update it ASAP.