Yakuza 0 Director's Cut: SEGA's Legendary Cast Returns for Nintendo Switch 2 Release

SEGA has made a significant move for its celebrated crime drama series with the upcoming release of Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, set to launch worldwide for Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

The remastered edition not only brings the acclaimed title to Nintendo’s next-generation platform but also features newly recorded scenes and the return of the original Japanese voice cast, reaffirming SEGA’s commitment to authenticity and fan engagement. Yakuza 0 first debuted in 2015 and quickly established itself as a cornerstone in SEGA’s Like a Dragon franchise, captivating players with its gripping narrative, dynamic combat, and richly detailed recreation of 1980s Japan.

The Director’s Cut aims to refine this experience for a new audience on Nintendo Switch 2, with enhancements and additional content tailored to both newcomers and series veterans.

The game will be available both physically and digitally via the Nintendo eShop, continuing SEGA’s tradition of multi-platform accessibility. The revived cast includes Takaya Kuroda as Kazuma Kiryu, Hidenari Ugaki as Goro Majima, Kazuhiro Nakaya as Akira Nishikiyama, and Hitoshi Ozawa as Daisaku Kuze, all of whom recently shared their thoughts on returning to their iconic roles a decade later.

Speaking with SEGA, Kuroda reflected on the passage of time since he first embodied the role of Kiryu, remarking that the experience felt almost recent, despite the decade that has passed.

He noted, "It still astonishes me how quickly time has flown since we originally recorded Yakuza 0.

Revisiting Kiryu at this stage of my career brought its own challenges, but I was eager to deliver another authentic performance." Kuroda also emphasized that some newly added scenes address aspects of the story long discussed by fans and himself alike, providing moments of closure and satisfaction.

He encouraged both series newcomers and longtime Like a Dragon fans to experience these enhancements in the Director’s Cut, stating that the new content offers a unique sense of catharsis. Hidenari Ugaki, reprising his iconic portrayal of Goro Majima, shared his enthusiasm for returning to the role.

"Yakuza 0 was my introduction as a main character to the franchise," Ugaki explained.

"While I initially questioned the necessity of a re-release, it’s clear that Majima’s enduring popularity warrants it.

Revisiting Majima with fresh material underscored how essential his relationship with Makoto is, and this deeper characterization is on full display in the Director’s Cut." Kazuhiro Nakaya, who plays Akira Nishikiyama, credited the original game with helping launch his voice acting career, considering the role as a foundational part of his journey as an actor.

While careful to avoid spoilers regarding new content, Nakaya expressed confidence that fans will be intrigued by the surprises in store and invited both new and returning players to enjoy the revitalized experience. For Hitoshi Ozawa, the return to Daisaku Kuze held personal resonance.

"The story’s time period aligns with my younger days, making it uniquely relatable for me," he noted.

Ozawa praised the breakthroughs made possible by the medium, particularly the enhanced representation of Kuze and Kiryu’s dynamic in this edition.

"The Director’s Cut deepens their relationship, offering further insight into their interactions." SEGA’s focus on revitalizing Yakuza 0 through new content and preserving the original cast’s performances is set to attract both first-time players and series veterans.

Launching on Nintendo Switch 2, the Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut stands as a testament to SEGA’s ongoing innovative legacy in the Like a Dragon series, ensuring its cultural and commercial impact endures.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut will be available globally on June 5, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2 in both retail stores and on the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Yakuza 0 SEGA Switch 2 Switch Yakuza Yakuza 0 Director's Cut Director's Cut voice actors Nintendo eShop Takaya Kuroda Hidenari Ugaki Kazuhiro Nakaya Hitoshi Ozawa Kazuma Kiryu Goro Majima Akira Nishikiyama Daisaku Kuze