Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct Announced for Switch 2: Deep Dive Scheduled Ahead of 2026 Launch

SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have officially announced a dedicated Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct, offering fans an exclusive look at the highly anticipated two-in-one package heading to Nintendo Switch 2.

The digital event is set to broadcast globally on December 23, 2025, at 1am GMT / 2am CET, with North American audiences able to tune in on December 22 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET.

The livestream will be accessible via both YouTube and Twitch, ensuring easy worldwide access for the passionate Yakuza community. Yakuza Kiwami 3, a remastered edition of the beloved 2009 PlayStation 3 release, marks its debut on Nintendo hardware with this launch—scheduled for February 12, 2026, on Switch 2.

This enhanced edition couples the classic action-adventure game with Dark Ties, further enriching the iconic series known for its gripping storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, long celebrated for its work on the Yakuza franchise, continues its legacy of blending cinematic drama with open-world exploration. In a statement relayed through official channels, SEGA described the upcoming Direct as “a deep dive into new features, experiences, and gameplay from the upcoming two-in-one title.” While detailed specifics remain under wraps until the broadcast, viewers can anticipate comprehensive coverage spanning new mechanics, visual enhancements, and possibly insights into the future direction of the Yakuza series. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama commented earlier this season that the team was eager to showcase how the upgraded version of Yakuza Kiwami 3 embodies the studio’s ambitions for the next era of the franchise.

This upcoming Direct is poised to deliver on that promise, offering fans a closer look at protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s continuing saga and the innovations planned for the Nintendo Switch 2 platform. The Yakuza franchise has enjoyed significant commercial and critical success, with numerous entries consistently praised for their blend of compelling narratives and dynamic gameplay.

The forthcoming Switch 2 release represents not only the title’s first foray onto next-generation Nintendo hardware but also signals SEGA’s commitment to expanding the series’ reach within the global gaming landscape. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to tune into the Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Direct for firsthand details on what’s in store for Kiryu’s next chapter.

With a confirmed release date of February 12, 2026, excitement is building for this next major milestone in the Yakuza saga on Nintendo Switch 2.