Yakuza Kiwami 3 Brings 'Dark Ties' Expansion and Playable Mine to Nintendo Switch 2

Yakuza Kiwami 3, the highly anticipated remake of SEGA's acclaimed Yakuza 3, is set to debut on Nintendo Switch 2 with an exclusive new expansion titled 'Dark Ties.' Developed by RGG Studios, this new edition introduces significant changes—most notably, the inclusion of a fully playable side story featuring fan-favorite antagonist Yoshitaka Mine.

The announcement marks an exciting evolution for the Yakuza series on newer hardware, following trending demand for more robust experiences on the Nintendo Switch platform. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Yakuza Kiwami 3 director Ryosuke Horii revealed unique insights into the development of the 'Dark Ties' expansion.

Originally, RGG Studios considered presenting Mine’s backstory as a cinematic sequence, aligning with the franchise’s historical inspiration from Japanese V-Cinema films.

However, the team ultimately saw greater value in making Mine a playable character.

Horii explained that offering a playable narrative would raise player satisfaction and capitalize on an opportunity that might not come again, stating that the decision was mutually beneficial for both players and the creative team. Series producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto also discussed the popularity of Yoshitaka Mine, sharing that while Mine’s screen time in the original game was limited, he has consistently ranked among the top five characters in Yakuza series fan surveys.

Sakamoto noted that Mine’s distinctive personality and "cool" character model strongly resonate with the series’ audience, making him an ideal centerpiece for this new expansion.

The decision to focus on this character further underscores RGG Studios' commitment to delivering content that connects deeply with its established fan base. Yakuza Kiwami 3 for Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to differ more significantly from its original counterpart than previous Kiwami remakes.

Horii mentioned that with the classic Yakuza 3 remaining accessible on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, the team felt empowered to introduce new gameplay elements without being constrained to the original game’s structure.

This creative freedom promises fans fresh surprises, including visual upgrades and gameplay enhancements, such as a new wardrobe for series protagonist Kiryu. The expansion of Yakuza Kiwami 3 to Nintendo Switch 2 demonstrates SEGA’s ongoing commitment to bringing flagship titles to Nintendo’s hardware and to maintaining strong relationships with fans through innovative releases on Nintendo eShop and potential physical editions.

With the release date forthcoming, fans of the Yakuza series can look forward to exploring the expanded narrative and enhanced gameplay in one of SEGA’s most beloved franchises.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Yakuza Yakuza Kiwami RGG Studios Yakuza Kiwami 3 Dark Ties Ryosuke Horii SEGA Hiroyuki Sakamoto Yoshitaka Mine