Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch: A Faithful Remake Reinvents Classic Sega Series

Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch: A Faithful Remake Reinvents Classic Sega Series Yakuza Kiwami stands as a pivotal entry in the long-running Yakuza franchise, originally developed by RGG Studio and published by SEGA.

A comprehensive remake of the first game in the series, Yakuza Kiwami was initially released in 2016 to mark the series’ 10th anniversary.

It rebuilt the original using the engine from Yakuza 0, its highly acclaimed prequel.

The recent launch of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop has further cemented its legacy, introducing the game to a new generation and platform while delivering a portable, engaging experience. Yakuza Kiwami was originally launched on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan—a fact not commonly known among Western fans, as the English version was only available on PlayStation 4.

This release marked the final Yakuza game on PlayStation 3 and also represented the last title before RGG Studio transitioned to its now-signature Dragon Engine, which powers entries like Yakuza 6 and beyond. For many players, the PlayStation 3 era was formative for the Yakuza series, and the Nintendo Switch version of Kiwami recaptures that exact sensation.

The game closely resembles its PS3 roots in both visuals and performance, targeting 30 frames per second to deliver an experience reminiscent of the series' earlier titles.

The remastered PS4 versions of Yakuza 3–5 offer higher resolution, but for some, the slight blur and softer edges of Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch evoke a greater sense of nostalgia and authenticity. One of the notable features of this Switch port is its inclusion of the original Japanese vocal tracks and licensed music, some of which were excluded from earlier English releases due to licensing challenges.

Now present in the Nintendo Switch edition, these tracks add new dimension to the game’s cutscenes and narrative beats, creating a more immersive and faithful experience for series veterans and newcomers alike. Yakuza Kiwami’s gameplay strikes a balance between accessibility and depth.

The pacing is notably brisk compared to recent entries in the Yakuza series, with the storyline and substories designed to keep players engaged and invested in protagonist Kazuma Kiryu’s journey.

The combat system, carried over from Yakuza 0, reintroduces legacy elements while featuring the distinct "Majima Everywhere" mechanic, a series of unpredictable encounters with the fan-favorite character that becomes central to unlocking Kiryu’s ultimate abilities. Longtime fans may find the blend of old and new in the Nintendo Switch port particularly compelling.

While the remake updates graphical fidelity and character models, it retains the animation style and cutscene direction of the original, preserving much of the series’ signature charm.

Some gameplay quirks, such as recurring boss mechanics inherited from the PS2 era and the need to manage "Heat" attacks for optimal progression, persist.

However, these minor grievances are outweighed by the overall cohesiveness and engagement the title offers. While Yakuza Kiwami on Switch doesn’t push the hardware to its limits, the ability to play one of SEGA’s most addictive action games on the go is a significant draw.

Whether docked for a big-screen experience or played portably, the Switch version remains robust and enjoyable.

For those new to the Yakuza universe, Kiwami serves as an excellent starting point.

Though it benefits from context provided by Yakuza 0, prior experience isn’t required to immerse oneself in the gritty streets of Kamurocho. With its comprehensive content, nostalgic presentation, and thoughtful enhancements, Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch is a compelling offer both for series veterans and those keen to explore SEGA’s acclaimed brawler on a modern platform.

It stands as a testament to RGG Studio’s commitment to preserving and reimagining its iconic series for new hardware and audiences.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo SEGA Sega Switch Yakuza Switch port Yakuza Kiwami RGG Studio Yakuza series Dragon Engine Kamurocho Majima Everywhere