Shenmue III Port Teased for Nintendo Switch 2 by ININ Games

ININ Games Hints at Shenmue III Release for Nintendo Switch 2 The acclaimed action-adventure series Shenmue has captured gamers for over two decades.

Developed originally by SEGA and Ys Net, the Shenmue franchise debuted on the Dreamcast in 1999, setting new standards for narrative depth and open-world environments.

After a long hiatus, Shenmue III was released in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and PC, continuing the saga and building on a passionate fan community. In a significant move last year, ININ Games secured the publishing rights to Shenmue III, amplifying hopes for the game's expansion onto new hardware platforms.

Recently, the publisher stirred excitement again through a post on BlueSky, referencing the 2019 EDGE Magazine cover that spotlighted Shenmue III.

While the post initially appeared to celebrate the game's enduring appeal, it was a conversation in the replies that fueled further speculation about future platforms.

When a fan inquired about Shenmue III heading to Xbox and Nintendo Switch 2, ININ Games responded with, “I will let you know.” While not a confirmation, the reply has captured the attention of the gaming industry, especially given the context of this public discussion.

The original Nintendo Switch missed out on the Shenmue series, likely due to technical constraints, but the possibility of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 providing the necessary hardware capabilities now opens new doors for fans and collectors alike. Shenmue’s journey to modern platforms has been marked by several milestones.

After the original two games' release on Dreamcast (1999 and 2001), a remastered collection appeared in 2018, bringing classic gameplay to a new generation.

Shenmue III's release in 2019 was considered a major achievement, made possible through robust crowdfunding and longstanding community support.

However, none of the entries have made their way to Nintendo’s family of consoles—something ININ Games may be looking to change. ININ Games’ track record for high-quality ports and revivals has been well-received within the gaming community, raising optimism for a successful Shenmue III adaptation on Nintendo Switch 2.

With Nintendo’s next-generation hardware rumored to offer improved performance, fans of the series can look forward to the possibility of experiencing Ryo Hazuki’s journey in handheld and hybrid play modes for the first time. Although there is no official release date or confirmation as of this writing, the recent activity by ININ Games signals ongoing discussions behind the scenes.

For more updates on Shenmue III, Nintendo Switch 2, and upcoming game releases, follow industry news and official announcements through trusted sources like Nintendo Direct and the eShop.

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