Yakuza Kiwami Announced for Nintendo Switch: First Series Entry Arrives October 2024

Yakuza Kiwami to Launch on Nintendo Switch This October, Marking the Series’ Debut on a Nintendo Console After years of anticipation and speculation, SEGA is set to bring Yakuza Kiwami—now recognized globally under the "Like a Dragon" banner—to the Nintendo Switch platform for the very first time.

The acclaimed action-adventure remake will be available in digital and retail formats beginning October 24, 2024.

This marks a significant milestone for both the Yakuza franchise and Nintendo hardware, expanding the reach of one of SEGA's most celebrated series. Background: From PS2 Origins to Modern Remakes Yakuza Kiwami was originally released in 2016 on PlayStation 4 as an extensive remake of the initial Yakuza title, first launched for the PlayStation 2 in 2005.

The game offers a complete overhaul of the original’s visuals, voice acting, and gameplay systems, while preserving the foundational story.

Players step into the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a devoted member of the Tojo Clan, who sacrifices a decade of his life in prison after taking the blame for the murder of his boss.

Upon his release, Kiryu finds himself navigating the criminal underworld during a period of deep crisis for his clan—a narrative that has captivated fans worldwide and set the tone for the entire Like a Dragon series. A Growing Legacy: Yakuza’s Rise and Evolution The popularity of the Yakuza franchise has soared over the last decade, with global sales surpassing millions and receiving critical acclaim for both its gripping storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Earlier entries, from Yakuza Zero through Yakuza 6, have solidified the series' reputation as a premier action-oriented experience.

The two most recent mainline releases have taken bold steps by adopting a turn-based RPG format, expanding the series’ appeal to new audiences while retaining its core identity. Official statements from SEGA highlight their excitement: The development team cited the Nintendo Switch’s versatility and broad user base as motivating factors in bringing Yakuza Kiwami to the platform.

According to their announcement, making the game available on the Switch allows both longtime fans and newcomers to experience Kazuma Kiryu’s original journey anytime and anywhere, including on-the-go play facilitated by the hardware’s hybrid nature. A New Era for Yakuza on Nintendo This will be the inaugural appearance of the Like a Dragon (Yakuza) series on any Nintendo console, a milestone reflecting the series’ widened audience and SEGA’s ongoing commitment to accessibility.

The addition of Yakuza Kiwami to the Nintendo eShop bolsters the Switch’s already impressive catalog of mature, story-driven titles, and signals further opportunities for Japanese RPGs and action games on the platform. Yakuza Kiwami is set for release on October 24, 2024, via the Nintendo eShop and select retailers.

For fans and collectors alike, this port represents a unique chapter in the franchise’s history and offers fresh prospects for Nintendo Switch owners eager to dive into the gripping world of Kamurocho. Stay up to date with more Nintendo news and reviews by following trusted industry sources, and prepare to experience SEGA’s beloved crime epic on Nintendo’s flagship hardware this fall.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Yakuza Yakuza Kiwami Like a Dragon