SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have pulled back the curtain on new gameplay content for the upcoming titles Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, offering fans an in-depth look via a dedicated Nintendo Direct event.
Scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026, both games represent a significant evolution in the storied Yakuza franchise, building on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's record of successful remakes and original releases. During the special Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct, which aired on December 23, 2025 for audiences in Europe and the United States, viewers were treated to approximately six minutes of new gameplay footage.
Despite the broadcast's concise runtime, the showcase revealed two major gameplay modes that bring fresh energy to the classic Yakuza formula: 'Bad Boy Dragon' in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and 'Hell's Arena' in Dark Ties. In the 'Bad Boy Dragon' mode, protagonist Kazuma Kiryu teams up with the Haisai Girls, a local biker gang defending Okinawa.
Players can customize their gang members and tackle Baddies Battles, engaging in large-scale rumbles alongside their allies.
Additionally, this mode introduces high-octane motorcycle charges, allowing players to storm enemy bases in dramatic fashion, further enhancing the action-packed spirit of Yakuza Kiwami 3. Meanwhile, 'Hell's Arena' in Dark Ties delivers an underground fight club experience led by the character Mine.
In this mode, participants enter dangerous brawls to safeguard the Nishikiyama Family’s business interests.
Players can test their mettle in one-on-one duels or enter the Survival Hell challenge, which tasks competitors with navigating hazardous dungeons while evading relentless pursuers. SEGA underscores that the goal of this Direct was to explore new features, experiences, and gameplay elements within the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties collection, building excitement for the title's dual release on Switch 2.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Director Yokoyama Masayoshi recently alluded to the importance of this enhanced edition, hinting at its potential impact on the future direction of the Yakuza series. Fans eager to experience these modes firsthand can mark their calendars for February 12, 2026, when Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Direct, available for replay on YouTube and Twitch, offers a comprehensive preview for those interested in what’s next for Kazuma Kiryu and the acclaimed Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
Scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026, both games represent a significant evolution in the storied Yakuza franchise, building on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's record of successful remakes and original releases. During the special Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct, which aired on December 23, 2025 for audiences in Europe and the United States, viewers were treated to approximately six minutes of new gameplay footage.
Despite the broadcast's concise runtime, the showcase revealed two major gameplay modes that bring fresh energy to the classic Yakuza formula: 'Bad Boy Dragon' in Yakuza Kiwami 3 and 'Hell's Arena' in Dark Ties. In the 'Bad Boy Dragon' mode, protagonist Kazuma Kiryu teams up with the Haisai Girls, a local biker gang defending Okinawa.
Players can customize their gang members and tackle Baddies Battles, engaging in large-scale rumbles alongside their allies.
Additionally, this mode introduces high-octane motorcycle charges, allowing players to storm enemy bases in dramatic fashion, further enhancing the action-packed spirit of Yakuza Kiwami 3. Meanwhile, 'Hell's Arena' in Dark Ties delivers an underground fight club experience led by the character Mine.
In this mode, participants enter dangerous brawls to safeguard the Nishikiyama Family’s business interests.
Players can test their mettle in one-on-one duels or enter the Survival Hell challenge, which tasks competitors with navigating hazardous dungeons while evading relentless pursuers. SEGA underscores that the goal of this Direct was to explore new features, experiences, and gameplay elements within the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties collection, building excitement for the title's dual release on Switch 2.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Director Yokoyama Masayoshi recently alluded to the importance of this enhanced edition, hinting at its potential impact on the future direction of the Yakuza series. Fans eager to experience these modes firsthand can mark their calendars for February 12, 2026, when Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on Nintendo Switch 2.
The Nintendo Direct, available for replay on YouTube and Twitch, offers a comprehensive preview for those interested in what’s next for Kazuma Kiryu and the acclaimed Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
