Yakuza Kiwami, the critically acclaimed action-adventure remake of the original Yakuza game, is making its way to the Nintendo Switch on October 24, 2024. This release comes a full eight years after the game first launched, marking a significant moment for both fans of the series and Nintendo Switch owners.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

Yakuza Kiwami was originally released in 2016, a year before the Nintendo Switch made its debut. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the game initially launched on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, receiving widespread acclaim for its faithful reimagining of the 2005 classic that started the Yakuza series. Over the years, Yakuza Kiwami expanded its reach, becoming available on Xbox One and PC, but a Nintendo Switch version remained elusive—until now.

For years, fans of the Like a Dragon franchise (formerly known as Yakuza outside Japan) have been calling for Sega to bring the series to the Switch. Their persistence has finally paid off with Sega’s announcement during the latest Nintendo Direct, confirming that Yakuza Kiwami will soon be available on Nintendo’s popular console. The announcement trailer showcased not only the game’s October 24 release date but also provided glimpses of its gripping storyline, set in the bustling district of Kamurocho, Tokyo, along with some of its signature beat-em-up combat and a variety of engaging minigames.

Yakuza Kiwami’s Impact on the Nintendo Switch

The arrival of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch is a major win for the platform. This port represents the first time a Yakuza game will be available on the Switch, opening the door for potential future releases of other titles from the Like a Dragon series. For fans of the franchise, this is an exciting development that could signal more Sega titles making their way to Nintendo’s hybrid console.

Interestingly, the release date of Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch coincides with the premiere of the new live-action adaptation of the Yakuza series on Amazon Prime Video. This strategic timing suggests that Sega is aiming to leverage the simultaneous launch of both the game and the series to boost interest and engagement across both mediums. Similar to how the Fallout TV series reignited interest in the Fallout games, Sega is likely hoping that Yakuza Kiwami’s Switch release will capture new audiences and re-engage long-time fans.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming release of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch marks a significant milestone for both the franchise and the console. After years of anticipation, Switch players will finally be able to experience the intense action and rich storytelling that the Yakuza series is known for. With the game’s release strategically aligned with the launch of the live-action series, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of the Like a Dragon franchise. As the October release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the Yakuza saga.

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