SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio have officially released a free demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, now available for download via the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2.
This demo marks a milestone for fans, offering playable content for both the eagerly awaited remake and a brand-new story tied to the acclaimed Yakuza series. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, Yakuza Kiwami 3 comes as a ground-up remake, revitalizing the 2009 classic Yakuza 3.
The updated release features notable enhancements including brand new cutscenes, expanded side activities, and a reimagined Okinawa and Kamurocho, designed to deliver an even richer and more entertaining experience.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has described this project as a "two-in-one experience" conceived under the guiding principle, "A legend is reborn and a new legacy begins." Accompanying the main game, Dark Ties introduces an original narrative that delves into the background of Yoshitaka Mine, one of Yakuza 3's most enigmatic antagonists.
Set in the events preceding Yakuza 3, Dark Ties explores Mine’s origins, his search for genuine connections, and the pivotal circumstances that drew him from corporate leadership into the heart of the yakuza underworld.
This secondary title is offered as a standalone game within the package, expanding the series' legacy with never-before-seen storytelling. Players sampling the demo can expect early access to both games' revamped mechanics and stories.
The new content in Yakuza Kiwami 3 includes enhanced side quests, previously unreleased cutscenes, and meticulously reconstructed locations, all made possible through the advanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Meanwhile, Dark Ties promises an emotional and action-driven prequel experience with a focus on narrative depth and character development. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is slated for a worldwide release on both physical and digital platforms—including the Nintendo eShop—for the Nintendo Switch 2, with its launch set for 12 February 2026.
This dual release underscores SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s continued commitment to reinvigorating the Yakuza franchise for both longtime fans and newcomers on Nintendo hardware. This milestone in the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series history not only showcases the evolving storytelling and technical prowess of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, but also reaffirms its dedication to delivering high-quality experiences on the latest Nintendo platform.
This demo marks a milestone for fans, offering playable content for both the eagerly awaited remake and a brand-new story tied to the acclaimed Yakuza series. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series, Yakuza Kiwami 3 comes as a ground-up remake, revitalizing the 2009 classic Yakuza 3.
The updated release features notable enhancements including brand new cutscenes, expanded side activities, and a reimagined Okinawa and Kamurocho, designed to deliver an even richer and more entertaining experience.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has described this project as a "two-in-one experience" conceived under the guiding principle, "A legend is reborn and a new legacy begins." Accompanying the main game, Dark Ties introduces an original narrative that delves into the background of Yoshitaka Mine, one of Yakuza 3's most enigmatic antagonists.
Set in the events preceding Yakuza 3, Dark Ties explores Mine’s origins, his search for genuine connections, and the pivotal circumstances that drew him from corporate leadership into the heart of the yakuza underworld.
This secondary title is offered as a standalone game within the package, expanding the series' legacy with never-before-seen storytelling. Players sampling the demo can expect early access to both games' revamped mechanics and stories.
The new content in Yakuza Kiwami 3 includes enhanced side quests, previously unreleased cutscenes, and meticulously reconstructed locations, all made possible through the advanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Meanwhile, Dark Ties promises an emotional and action-driven prequel experience with a focus on narrative depth and character development. Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is slated for a worldwide release on both physical and digital platforms—including the Nintendo eShop—for the Nintendo Switch 2, with its launch set for 12 February 2026.
This dual release underscores SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s continued commitment to reinvigorating the Yakuza franchise for both longtime fans and newcomers on Nintendo hardware. This milestone in the Yakuza and Like a Dragon series history not only showcases the evolving storytelling and technical prowess of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, but also reaffirms its dedication to delivering high-quality experiences on the latest Nintendo platform.
