Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has officially unveiled "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" for Nintendo Switch 2, solidifying the acclaimed studio's ongoing commitment to revisiting and expanding its storied Yakuza franchise.
The announcement comes as part of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video, in which Masayoshi Yokoyama, the studio's director and executive producer, offered in-depth insights into the project, poised for both retail and Nintendo eShop launch worldwide on February 12, 2026. Yokoyama described "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" as an "extreme remake" of Yakuza 3, meticulously redesigned to not only modernize its distinctive street-brawler combat but also deepen its narrative and broaden its scope with fresh side activities.
According to Yokoyama, the game’s remake introduces newly produced scenes and story elements that "bring added depth and emotion to the established narrative," underscoring the team’s goal to immerse returning fans and newcomers alike in the world of Okinawa and Kamurocho. Developed as a "two-in-one experience," the collection weaves together a fully rebuilt Yakuza 3 and the entirely new "Dark Ties"—a standalone campaign focusing on antagonist Yoshitaka Mine.
The development team celebrated the franchise’s 20th anniversary by embracing the concept "A legend is reborn and a new legacy begins," reflecting the dual nature of honoring series tradition while pushing the boundaries with innovative content. Players in Yakuza Kiwami 3 can now enjoy expanded combat mechanics with two distinctive fighting styles: "Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami," which features the largest set of attack techniques ever in the series, and the brand new "Ryukyu Style," a weapon-based system inspired by traditional Okinawan martial arts.
These styles provide players the ultimate brawler experience, allowing seamless combat transitions and an array of combo techniques utilizing eight different weapon types. Added gameplay modes include "Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon," a team battle adventure where players assemble and fight alongside the Ryukyu Gal Gang, a group of biker women committed to defending the streets.
These additions make Okinawa and Kamurocho more dynamic and interactive than ever before. "Dark Ties," offered as a separate game within the bundle, explores the backstory of Yoshitaka Mine in detail.
For the first time, players control Mine, engaging in a refined combat system inspired by boxing, freely exploring Kamurocho, and unlocking new facets of the character through the unique "Dark Awakening" mode—a combat transformation where Mine unleashes devastating combos.
The "Hell’s Arena" feature further extends replayability, offering an underground fight club with survival challenges against continuous waves of foes. With the confirmed release date of February 12, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" promises to usher in a new era for the series on Nintendo hardware, combining fan-favorite characters and settings with original gameplay innovations.
Both longtime Like a Dragon enthusiasts and newer Switch players can look forward to an evolved and expanded gangster drama experience, digitally and at retail, through the Nintendo eShop and physical stores.
The announcement comes as part of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video, in which Masayoshi Yokoyama, the studio's director and executive producer, offered in-depth insights into the project, poised for both retail and Nintendo eShop launch worldwide on February 12, 2026. Yokoyama described "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" as an "extreme remake" of Yakuza 3, meticulously redesigned to not only modernize its distinctive street-brawler combat but also deepen its narrative and broaden its scope with fresh side activities.
According to Yokoyama, the game’s remake introduces newly produced scenes and story elements that "bring added depth and emotion to the established narrative," underscoring the team’s goal to immerse returning fans and newcomers alike in the world of Okinawa and Kamurocho. Developed as a "two-in-one experience," the collection weaves together a fully rebuilt Yakuza 3 and the entirely new "Dark Ties"—a standalone campaign focusing on antagonist Yoshitaka Mine.
The development team celebrated the franchise’s 20th anniversary by embracing the concept "A legend is reborn and a new legacy begins," reflecting the dual nature of honoring series tradition while pushing the boundaries with innovative content. Players in Yakuza Kiwami 3 can now enjoy expanded combat mechanics with two distinctive fighting styles: "Dragon of Dojima: Kiwami," which features the largest set of attack techniques ever in the series, and the brand new "Ryukyu Style," a weapon-based system inspired by traditional Okinawan martial arts.
These styles provide players the ultimate brawler experience, allowing seamless combat transitions and an array of combo techniques utilizing eight different weapon types. Added gameplay modes include "Legendary Baddie, Bad Boy Dragon," a team battle adventure where players assemble and fight alongside the Ryukyu Gal Gang, a group of biker women committed to defending the streets.
These additions make Okinawa and Kamurocho more dynamic and interactive than ever before. "Dark Ties," offered as a separate game within the bundle, explores the backstory of Yoshitaka Mine in detail.
For the first time, players control Mine, engaging in a refined combat system inspired by boxing, freely exploring Kamurocho, and unlocking new facets of the character through the unique "Dark Awakening" mode—a combat transformation where Mine unleashes devastating combos.
The "Hell’s Arena" feature further extends replayability, offering an underground fight club with survival challenges against continuous waves of foes. With the confirmed release date of February 12, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" promises to usher in a new era for the series on Nintendo hardware, combining fan-favorite characters and settings with original gameplay innovations.
Both longtime Like a Dragon enthusiasts and newer Switch players can look forward to an evolved and expanded gangster drama experience, digitally and at retail, through the Nintendo eShop and physical stores.
