SEGA has officially expanded on the features and gameplay innovations coming to Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, the highly anticipated titles launching for Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2026.
This latest reveal provides a closer look at the series' signature substories, enhanced customization, new play spots, and the ever-popular karaoke mini-games, emphasizing SEGA’s commitment to delivering an engaging and nostalgic experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings a host of inventive substories that balance the franchise's classic humor and heartfelt themes.
In “A Star’s Debut at Stardust,” protagonist Kazuma Kiryu steps into the shoes of an impromptu host at the famed Stardust club, showcasing his unique brand of hospitality in a bid to help the club through a sudden staff shortage.
Other memorable missions include “Keep at It, Parents!”, where Kiryu must discreetly dispose of a questionable magazine to maintain order at the Morning Glory Orphanage, and the whimsical “LaLaLa Loveland,” in which Kiryu navigates the world of modern communication—trading his ancient phone for the brand-new LaLaLa Mobile and connecting with others through the Red Thread of Fate transmission system.
The Red Thread mechanic also introduces Loveboxes, in-game collectibles offering a variety of rewards hidden throughout Downtown Ryukyu and Kamurocho. Players can now personalize Kiryu’s iconic flip phone with interchangeable straps, antennas, lock screens, rhinestones, and stickers.
Each customization option isn't only cosmetic—many offer meaningful boosts to Kiryu’s in-game abilities, adding a strategic layer to style and performance. Karaoke, a staple of the Yakuza franchise, returns with new songs and returning hits.
Kiryu is joined by fan favorites such as Haruka, Majima, and Akko-san for a series of performances, including the Okinawan-inspired "Pararirai: Happiness Blooms"—crafted to capture a sense of peace and togetherness—and “Kamurocho Rhapsody,” a rock-driven tribute to the city’s dramatic energy.
Both songs were composed by Ryosuke Horii, who shared that he wanted to create music that would resonate with the community feel of the series, and experiment with different musical genres to reflect Kamurocho’s vibrant life. Wardrobe options have also been broadened, allowing players to dress Kiryu in attire suitable for both Downtown Ryukyu's laid-back atmosphere and Kamurocho's nightlife.
Outfits range from relaxed beachwear to flamboyant party ensembles, ensuring players can tailor Kiryu's look for any occasion or mood. The narrative introduces new adversaries such as the Reapers, outcasts from the Tojo Clan, and invites Kiryu to pursue these dangerous foes across the city in pursuit of justice and hefty rewards. In Dark Ties, players will step into the role of Mine and delve into Kanda’s Damage Control Good Deed Quests, following Zenba’s leads to help Kamurocho’s troubled residents.
Notable missions include tracking down the enigmatic “Kamuro Killer” at the request of a young man and handling the chaos of a public intoxication scenario with Mine’s distinctive approach.
A dynamic Charisma Rank system measures Mine’s growing reputation, opening up new layers of character progression. Dark Ties’ karaoke sessions star Mine, with actor Shido Nakamura lending his enthusiastic vocals to the fan-favorite “Baka Mitai.” According to composer Ryosuke Horii, Nakamura’s spirited performance—infused with ad-libs and heartfelt energy—brings a memorable depth to the mini-game, offering fans a fresh perspective on the stoic character. Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the tradition of robust minigames, now featuring SEGA's classic Game Gear handhelds with playable versions of retro titles like PAC-MAN, MAPPY, and GALAGA '91, enabled through a partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Arcade aficionados can enjoy activities such as UFO Catchers, Emergency Call Ambulance, SlashOut, bowling, and Print Club. With this wealth of new content and gameplay refinements, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties looks poised to set a new standard for narrative-driven action games on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mark your calendars for February 12, 2026—the next chapter in the Yakuza series promises a deeper, more vibrant Kamurocho than ever before.
This latest reveal provides a closer look at the series' signature substories, enhanced customization, new play spots, and the ever-popular karaoke mini-games, emphasizing SEGA’s commitment to delivering an engaging and nostalgic experience for both newcomers and longtime fans. Yakuza Kiwami 3 brings a host of inventive substories that balance the franchise's classic humor and heartfelt themes.
In “A Star’s Debut at Stardust,” protagonist Kazuma Kiryu steps into the shoes of an impromptu host at the famed Stardust club, showcasing his unique brand of hospitality in a bid to help the club through a sudden staff shortage.
Other memorable missions include “Keep at It, Parents!”, where Kiryu must discreetly dispose of a questionable magazine to maintain order at the Morning Glory Orphanage, and the whimsical “LaLaLa Loveland,” in which Kiryu navigates the world of modern communication—trading his ancient phone for the brand-new LaLaLa Mobile and connecting with others through the Red Thread of Fate transmission system.
The Red Thread mechanic also introduces Loveboxes, in-game collectibles offering a variety of rewards hidden throughout Downtown Ryukyu and Kamurocho. Players can now personalize Kiryu’s iconic flip phone with interchangeable straps, antennas, lock screens, rhinestones, and stickers.
Each customization option isn't only cosmetic—many offer meaningful boosts to Kiryu’s in-game abilities, adding a strategic layer to style and performance. Karaoke, a staple of the Yakuza franchise, returns with new songs and returning hits.
Kiryu is joined by fan favorites such as Haruka, Majima, and Akko-san for a series of performances, including the Okinawan-inspired "Pararirai: Happiness Blooms"—crafted to capture a sense of peace and togetherness—and “Kamurocho Rhapsody,” a rock-driven tribute to the city’s dramatic energy.
Both songs were composed by Ryosuke Horii, who shared that he wanted to create music that would resonate with the community feel of the series, and experiment with different musical genres to reflect Kamurocho’s vibrant life. Wardrobe options have also been broadened, allowing players to dress Kiryu in attire suitable for both Downtown Ryukyu's laid-back atmosphere and Kamurocho's nightlife.
Outfits range from relaxed beachwear to flamboyant party ensembles, ensuring players can tailor Kiryu's look for any occasion or mood. The narrative introduces new adversaries such as the Reapers, outcasts from the Tojo Clan, and invites Kiryu to pursue these dangerous foes across the city in pursuit of justice and hefty rewards. In Dark Ties, players will step into the role of Mine and delve into Kanda’s Damage Control Good Deed Quests, following Zenba’s leads to help Kamurocho’s troubled residents.
Notable missions include tracking down the enigmatic “Kamuro Killer” at the request of a young man and handling the chaos of a public intoxication scenario with Mine’s distinctive approach.
A dynamic Charisma Rank system measures Mine’s growing reputation, opening up new layers of character progression. Dark Ties’ karaoke sessions star Mine, with actor Shido Nakamura lending his enthusiastic vocals to the fan-favorite “Baka Mitai.” According to composer Ryosuke Horii, Nakamura’s spirited performance—infused with ad-libs and heartfelt energy—brings a memorable depth to the mini-game, offering fans a fresh perspective on the stoic character. Yakuza Kiwami 3 continues the tradition of robust minigames, now featuring SEGA's classic Game Gear handhelds with playable versions of retro titles like PAC-MAN, MAPPY, and GALAGA '91, enabled through a partnership with Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Arcade aficionados can enjoy activities such as UFO Catchers, Emergency Call Ambulance, SlashOut, bowling, and Print Club. With this wealth of new content and gameplay refinements, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties looks poised to set a new standard for narrative-driven action games on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mark your calendars for February 12, 2026—the next chapter in the Yakuza series promises a deeper, more vibrant Kamurocho than ever before.
