Yakuza Kiwami 2 Shines on Nintendo Switch 2: Release, Features, and Performance Breakdown

Yakuza Kiwami 2 Makes Its Mark on Nintendo Switch 2: Launch Date, Engine Overhaul, and Feature Packed Gameplay The celebrated Yakuza series by SEGA and RGG Studio continues its global expansion, with Yakuza Kiwami 2 launching on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Set for release on November 13, 2025, this acclaimed remake brings one of Japan’s most iconic underworld stories to a new generation of Nintendo players, boasting a sweeping range of updates and technical achievements tailored to the hardware. A Landmark Remake, Rebuilt for Modern Platforms Yakuza Kiwami 2, first reinvented for contemporary consoles, comes to Switch 2 as a definitive edition, featuring modern enhancements that evolve the original 2006 PlayStation 2 classic.

Like its predecessor, Kiwami 2 has been rebuilt from the ground up using RGG Studio’s Dragon Engine, the same technology powering Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.

This upgrade brings significantly improved graphics, expanded Tokyo (Kamurocho) and Osaka (Sotenbori) maps, seamless building transitions, and more interactive environmental details, leveraging the Switch 2's enhanced hardware capabilities. The Nintendo Switch 2 version doesn’t just deliver visual improvements—fans can expect more gameplay content as well.

This includes a revamped level-up system, extended side stories, and the innovative Majima Saga: an exclusive set of chapters focusing on fan-favorite character Goro Majima, bridging narrative elements from Yakuza 0 to Yakuza 2.

Majima’s storyline, shorter but tightly written, provides essential background as he steps away from the Tojo Clan to build Majima Construction, encountering familiar faces and resolving long-running story arcs. Enhanced Gameplay and Expanded Content Compared to the original Kiwami, Kiwami 2 introduces several technical and mechanical refinements.

New Extreme Heat actions, real-time autosave, an overhauled inventory and progression system, and ragdoll physics for enemy encounters—all features ported from Yakuza 6—make for a more dynamic and accessible experience.

In addition, more enemies appear on screen, and players can move seamlessly through shops, minigames, and restaurants with reduced loading times, ensuring a fluid gameplay loop.

The side content in Kiwami 2 is robust: players can take on 75 substories—both classics from the PS2 era like ‘Be My Baby’ and new episodes such as ‘That’s No Joke’ or ‘Welcome to the Modern Age.’ Substories are easily tracked via the map, encouraging exploration in Kamurocho and Sotenbori.

The Clan Creator mode, a tower-defense inspired minigame with Kiryu supporting Majima Construction, offers a strategic twist for those wanting a break from brawling.

In the Coliseum, a series of escalating combat challenges await. A Seamless Experience on Switch 2 Hardware RGG Studio has ensured Kiwami 2 takes full advantage of Switch 2’s capabilities.

In docked mode, performance is on par with the PlayStation 4 edition, with stable framerates and crisp visuals.

Handheld play holds up well, with only rare, minor frame drops and very occasional longer enemy spawn times.

Lighting is slightly toned down in portable mode but does not impact gameplay.

According to reviewers, these technical compromises are negligible, with the title maintaining high standards for both action and storytelling throughout dozens of hours of play. Accessibility for Newcomers and Series Veterans Nintendo Switch 2 users can dive into Yakuza Kiwami 2 even if they haven’t experienced prior entries: a narrated recap by Kazuma Kiryu (voiced by Takaya Kuroda) is available at the campaign’s start.

Fans looking to play the series in order can find Yakuza 0 and Kiwami 1 (also available via the Nintendo eShop) for a comprehensive, chronological journey. With Yakuza Kiwami 3 already confirmed for Switch 2, Nintendo’s latest platform is fast becoming a hub for one of SEGA’s most storied action franchises.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 stands as a testament to RGG Studio’s commitment to quality ports and rich, immersive storytelling—making it a must-buy for both franchise newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Switch 2 Switch Yakuza Yakuza Kiwami RGG Studio Yakuza Kiwami 2 release date Yakuza series Dragon Engine Nintendo eShop Yakuza 0 Kazuma Kiryu Majima Saga Kamurocho Osaka Majima Construction Tojo Clan Takaya Kuroda Yukio Terada Ibuchi Uematsu Debolah Coliseum Florist of Sai Majima family