Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties on Switch 2: RGG Studio Brings a Beloved Chapter to Nintendo's Next Generation
The arrival of "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 signals a historic moment for the acclaimed Yakuza franchise.
For the first time, RGG Studio's celebrated series launches simultaneously on Nintendo's hardware alongside other major platforms, thanks to SEGA's expanding support for the Switch ecosystem.
Launching February 12, 2026, the game represents the latest in a string of high-profile remakes, giving both longtime fans and new players the chance to experience a revitalized classic with all-new content and enhanced modern features. A Definitive Remake with Fresh Content Built upon SEGA’s powerful Dragon Engine, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" brings a comprehensive overhaul to the original PlayStation 3 favorite.
Fans can expect not only an extensive visual and gameplay upgrade, but also an entirely new campaign, "Dark Ties," which explores new narrative threads from the franchise’s complex underworld.
The story follows Kazuma Kiryu’s journey after leaving the Tojo Clan, transitioning to a quieter life running the Morning Glory orphanage in Okinawa, before inevitably being pulled back into criminal intrigue.
In parallel, players experience new depth in the criminal world through Yoshitaka Mine, who steps into the protagonist role for the additional campaign, enriching the Yakuza universe. Reflecting on the painstaking attention to narrative, series director notes, "Kiwami 3 seeks to humanize Kazuma Kiryu – focusing on his personal aspirations, his role as a caretaker, and his desire for peace after years of turmoil.
The team has expanded on underdeveloped storylines and characters to deliver a more emotionally resonant player experience." From Orphanage Bonds to the Streets of Kamurocho This remake refines many elements, such as the introduction of a new side-story structure dubbed "Morning Glory," where Kiryu deepens his relationships with the orphanage children through a variety of minigames like cooking, gardening, and bug-catching.
Activities are now optional, rewarding players with both emotional payoff and substantial in-game currencies.
Every child at the orphanage receives meaningful character development, ensuring even returning fans experience fresh, engaging interactions. Combat has been significantly improved, utilizing the latest Dragon Engine enhancements.
Kiryu commands both his signature Dragon of Dojima and an all-new Ryukyu fighting style, while enemies have new tactics drawn from more recent "Like A Dragon" releases, including status ailments and advanced countermeasures.
A refined skill tree, robust side-activities, and expanded regional maps (including the ever-iconic Kamurocho and new areas in Okinawa) make for a modern, satisfying beat 'em up gameplay loop. A New Chapter: The Dark Ties Campaign For the first time in the series, players can control Yoshitaka Mine in a separate campaign set before the events of Yakuza 3.
Here, RGG Studio innovates by focusing on community-building mechanics and a unique fighting style.
Mine’s journey explores complex themes of loyalty and belonging as he navigates the treacherous politics of Tojo Clan’s underbelly.
Signature new features, including the "Kanda Damage Control" mission structure and the notorious "Hell’s Arena," distinguish Mine's campaign from Kiryu’s, delivering variety and longevity to the overall package. Modern Features and Accessibility In response to past feedback, the team has implemented significant quality-of-life upgrades.
"Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" now features three full voice tracks—Japanese, English, and for the first time, Chinese—alongside expanded subtitle options.
Frequent autosaves, customizable in-game playlists, and a nostalgic, customizable cell phone interface bring ease-of-use and atmospheric flair, appealing to both new players and series veterans alike. Technical Improvements and Lasting Legacy RGG Studio’s commitment to polish is further reinforced by post-launch patches that address early technical concerns, ensuring smooth performance on the Switch 2.
While the remake reduces the number of substories compared to the original, the quality and depth of the new ones strives to make up for the loss, delivering over 50 hours of content across its dual campaigns. Final Thoughts As "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" arrives on Nintendo Switch 2, SEGA and RGG Studio reaffirm Nintendo’s role as a significant home for the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise.
This comprehensive package stands as an essential experience for fans and newcomers alike—delivering compelling narrative, exhilarating combat, and a new bar for video game remakes.
Though some classic content has been left behind, the abundance of heart and innovation propels "Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" to the forefront of the series’ celebrated legacy.
With a strong Switch 2 debut, the future looks bright for more Yakuza adventures on Nintendo platforms.
For the first time, RGG Studio's celebrated series launches simultaneously on Nintendo's hardware alongside other major platforms, thanks to SEGA's expanding support for the Switch ecosystem.
Launching February 12, 2026, the game represents the latest in a string of high-profile remakes, giving both longtime fans and new players the chance to experience a revitalized classic with all-new content and enhanced modern features. A Definitive Remake with Fresh Content Built upon SEGA’s powerful Dragon Engine, "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" brings a comprehensive overhaul to the original PlayStation 3 favorite.
Fans can expect not only an extensive visual and gameplay upgrade, but also an entirely new campaign, "Dark Ties," which explores new narrative threads from the franchise’s complex underworld.
The story follows Kazuma Kiryu’s journey after leaving the Tojo Clan, transitioning to a quieter life running the Morning Glory orphanage in Okinawa, before inevitably being pulled back into criminal intrigue.
In parallel, players experience new depth in the criminal world through Yoshitaka Mine, who steps into the protagonist role for the additional campaign, enriching the Yakuza universe. Reflecting on the painstaking attention to narrative, series director notes, "Kiwami 3 seeks to humanize Kazuma Kiryu – focusing on his personal aspirations, his role as a caretaker, and his desire for peace after years of turmoil.
The team has expanded on underdeveloped storylines and characters to deliver a more emotionally resonant player experience." From Orphanage Bonds to the Streets of Kamurocho This remake refines many elements, such as the introduction of a new side-story structure dubbed "Morning Glory," where Kiryu deepens his relationships with the orphanage children through a variety of minigames like cooking, gardening, and bug-catching.
Activities are now optional, rewarding players with both emotional payoff and substantial in-game currencies.
Every child at the orphanage receives meaningful character development, ensuring even returning fans experience fresh, engaging interactions. Combat has been significantly improved, utilizing the latest Dragon Engine enhancements.
Kiryu commands both his signature Dragon of Dojima and an all-new Ryukyu fighting style, while enemies have new tactics drawn from more recent "Like A Dragon" releases, including status ailments and advanced countermeasures.
A refined skill tree, robust side-activities, and expanded regional maps (including the ever-iconic Kamurocho and new areas in Okinawa) make for a modern, satisfying beat 'em up gameplay loop. A New Chapter: The Dark Ties Campaign For the first time in the series, players can control Yoshitaka Mine in a separate campaign set before the events of Yakuza 3.
Here, RGG Studio innovates by focusing on community-building mechanics and a unique fighting style.
Mine’s journey explores complex themes of loyalty and belonging as he navigates the treacherous politics of Tojo Clan’s underbelly.
Signature new features, including the "Kanda Damage Control" mission structure and the notorious "Hell’s Arena," distinguish Mine's campaign from Kiryu’s, delivering variety and longevity to the overall package. Modern Features and Accessibility In response to past feedback, the team has implemented significant quality-of-life upgrades.
"Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" now features three full voice tracks—Japanese, English, and for the first time, Chinese—alongside expanded subtitle options.
Frequent autosaves, customizable in-game playlists, and a nostalgic, customizable cell phone interface bring ease-of-use and atmospheric flair, appealing to both new players and series veterans alike. Technical Improvements and Lasting Legacy RGG Studio’s commitment to polish is further reinforced by post-launch patches that address early technical concerns, ensuring smooth performance on the Switch 2.
While the remake reduces the number of substories compared to the original, the quality and depth of the new ones strives to make up for the loss, delivering over 50 hours of content across its dual campaigns. Final Thoughts As "Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" arrives on Nintendo Switch 2, SEGA and RGG Studio reaffirm Nintendo’s role as a significant home for the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise.
This comprehensive package stands as an essential experience for fans and newcomers alike—delivering compelling narrative, exhilarating combat, and a new bar for video game remakes.
Though some classic content has been left behind, the abundance of heart and innovation propels "Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties" to the forefront of the series’ celebrated legacy.
With a strong Switch 2 debut, the future looks bright for more Yakuza adventures on Nintendo platforms.
