The Yakuza series has carved out a devoted following over the years, with its blend of gripping storytelling, dynamic combat, and vibrant world-building.
In the Nintendo Switch 2 generation, the franchise’s impact has only intensified, as SEGA and RGG Studio have brought titles like Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 to the platform, marking a significant milestone for fans eager to experience the renowned crime saga on Nintendo hardware.
The momentum continues in 2025 with the highly anticipated release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2025. Renowned for its thoughtful remakes, RGG Studio is setting the bar even higher with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.
Far from being a straightforward remaster, this entry is positioned as a transformative chapter in the series.
In an interview with GameWatch, RGG Studio Director Yokoyama Masayoshi explained that this new experience includes substantial hints at the future direction of the Yakuza franchise.
While Masayoshi clarified that no official announcements about the series’ next steps have been made, he emphasized, "When players experience this release, they’ll gain a clear sense of what we’re planning for the saga’s future." Dark Ties, the headline new content, serves as far more than an add-on.
Focused on the compelling character Yoshitaka Mine, this storyline delves into some of the most intense and mature themes yet explored in a Yakuza game.
Yokoyama further stressed, "The narrative in Dark Ties is exceptionally shocking—possibly among the darkest in the history of the series—so to see Yakuza Kiwami 3 simply as another remake would be a significant misunderstanding." This expanded approach to Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties positions it as a pivotal release, especially for Nintendo Switch 2 players.
With five more mainline games in the franchise chronologically set after Yakuza 3—excluding popular spin-offs such as Judgment and Gaiden—the decision to flesh out and enhance this particular chapter reflects RGG Studio’s evolving vision for both storytelling and franchise continuity on the eShop and beyond. Notably, while Yakuza: Like A Dragon and the recent Infinite Wealth entries introduce new protagonists, beloved character Kazuma Kiryu still makes appearances, maintaining legacy ties for longtime fans.
However, none of the subsequent mainline Yakuza games currently appear on the Nintendo Switch platform, making Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties a crucial touchstone for both new and returning players. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, rich new narrative content, and the power of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is shaping up to be a flagship title for SEGA and RGG Studio.
Fans can anticipate a deeply refined experience that respects its roots while boldly pointing to the series’ next evolution.
In the Nintendo Switch 2 generation, the franchise’s impact has only intensified, as SEGA and RGG Studio have brought titles like Yakuza 0, Kiwami 1, and Kiwami 2 to the platform, marking a significant milestone for fans eager to experience the renowned crime saga on Nintendo hardware.
The momentum continues in 2025 with the highly anticipated release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, launching exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2025. Renowned for its thoughtful remakes, RGG Studio is setting the bar even higher with Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.
Far from being a straightforward remaster, this entry is positioned as a transformative chapter in the series.
In an interview with GameWatch, RGG Studio Director Yokoyama Masayoshi explained that this new experience includes substantial hints at the future direction of the Yakuza franchise.
While Masayoshi clarified that no official announcements about the series’ next steps have been made, he emphasized, "When players experience this release, they’ll gain a clear sense of what we’re planning for the saga’s future." Dark Ties, the headline new content, serves as far more than an add-on.
Focused on the compelling character Yoshitaka Mine, this storyline delves into some of the most intense and mature themes yet explored in a Yakuza game.
Yokoyama further stressed, "The narrative in Dark Ties is exceptionally shocking—possibly among the darkest in the history of the series—so to see Yakuza Kiwami 3 simply as another remake would be a significant misunderstanding." This expanded approach to Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties positions it as a pivotal release, especially for Nintendo Switch 2 players.
With five more mainline games in the franchise chronologically set after Yakuza 3—excluding popular spin-offs such as Judgment and Gaiden—the decision to flesh out and enhance this particular chapter reflects RGG Studio’s evolving vision for both storytelling and franchise continuity on the eShop and beyond. Notably, while Yakuza: Like A Dragon and the recent Infinite Wealth entries introduce new protagonists, beloved character Kazuma Kiryu still makes appearances, maintaining legacy ties for longtime fans.
However, none of the subsequent mainline Yakuza games currently appear on the Nintendo Switch platform, making Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties a crucial touchstone for both new and returning players. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, rich new narrative content, and the power of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is shaping up to be a flagship title for SEGA and RGG Studio.
Fans can anticipate a deeply refined experience that respects its roots while boldly pointing to the series’ next evolution.
