Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Launches on Nintendo Switch 2: RGG Studio Brings Acclaimed Series Back to Nintendo Platforms

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Launches on Nintendo Switch 2: RGG Studio Brings Acclaimed Series Back to Nintendo Platforms Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut has officially landed on the new Nintendo Switch 2, marking a significant moment for SEGA and developer RGG Studio.

Historically, the Yakuza (Like A Dragon) series had a rocky relationship with Nintendo systems, but this launch demonstrates a renewed commitment from the creators to bring their flagship action franchises to a broader audience. Background and Platform History The Yakuza series, known for its gripping narrative and dynamic brawler gameplay, seemed an unlikely candidate for Nintendo platforms following the modest performance of the Yakuza 1&2 HD Edition on Wii U, which was exclusive to Japan.

Series creator and then RGG Studio leader, Toshihiro Nagoshi, famously stated that the games had little appeal on Nintendo hardware and halted releases.

This stance remained until after a major leadership change at RGG Studio in 2021 when Nagoshi and other key figures departed, paving the way for a new direction under Masayoshi Yokoyama. Yokoyama’s leadership heralded a fresh start.

Last October, RGG Studio launched Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch, which exceeded expectations in sales.

Buoyed by this success, SEGA and RGG Studio are now delivering Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, one of the most celebrated entries in the franchise, as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025. What’s New in Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut? Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut revitalizes the 2015 prequel with several enhancements tailored to both returning fans and newcomers.

The narrative, set in late-1980s Tokyo and Osaka during Japan’s economic boom, follows the intertwined stories of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima as they navigate the criminal underworld.

This entry originally introduced Majima as a playable protagonist in the mainline series, a move that excited longtime followers. The Director’s Cut offers more than just a visual overhaul.

Over 20 minutes of new cutscenes have been added, expanding the context and adding fresh perspectives to pivotal moments.

The game also debuts a full English dub, featuring voice actors recognized from later entries such as Yakuza: Like A Dragon (2019), along with increased subtitle language options to serve a global player base. A central addition is the online multiplayer Red Light Raid mode.

Players team up with friends or AI companions to confront waves of adversaries across iconic locations, unlocking new characters and upgrades as they progress.

This feature deepens replayability and brings series fan favorites—like Akira Nishikiyama and Osamu Kashiwagi—into the playable roster for the first time. Gameplay and Quality-of-Life Improvements Yakuza 0 is celebrated for blending an intense main storyline with quirky side activities and minigames, from karaoke and batting cages to retro SEGA arcade classics.

The combat system, defined by the HEAT mechanic and unique fighting styles for each protagonist, remains intact.

Moves, rather than being bought with experience, are unlocked through in-game currency, reflecting the wealthy era the story is set in. The Switch 2 version introduces thoughtful improvements: restored original Japanese opening music, a flexible save system (removing reliance on traditional phone booths), and graphics upscaling comparable to the PC edition.

Performance is also optimized, with fast load times and stable 60 frames per second gameplay in handheld and docked modes. Critical Reception and Series Legacy Upon its initial release, Yakuza 0 was hailed as a turning point for the series, attracting both critical acclaim and a surge of new players worldwide.

The Director’s Cut on Nintendo Switch 2 continues this legacy, making the game accessible to an entirely new segment of Nintendo fans while rewarding dedicated followers with fresh content and more ways to play. With the success of Yakuza Kiwami on Switch leading the charge, RGG Studio’s commitment is clear: the Yakuza/Like A Dragon franchise is now firmly back in the Nintendo ecosystem, set to win over the hearts (and fists) of Switch 2 users worldwide.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Yakuza 0 Switch 2 Switch Yakuza RGG Studio Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Nintendo hardware Director’s Cut SEGA Yakuza Kiwami Yakuza series Masayoshi Yokoyama Toshihiro Nagoshi Kazuma Kiryu Goro Majima