Summary
- Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch is selling better than expected, exceeding sales targets.
- Despite initial doubts, the game's success shows the potential of selling an older title on a new platform.
- The positive performance of Yakuza Kiwami on Switch could bode well for the future of the series on Nintendo hardware.
According to Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku, the recently released Yakuza Kiwami Nintendo Switch port is selling better than what both companies expected. During the August 2024 Nintendo Direct, Like a Dragon fans got a big surprise: the series is finally coming onto the Nintendo Switch, with the remake of the first game, Yakuza Kiwami, being the series' debut entry on the platform. Kiwami launched on the Nintendo Switch earlier this October, eight years after it was first released on PS3 and PS4.
Despite the popularity of the Nintendo Switch, there didn't seem to be plans to bring the Like a Dragon series onto the platform. Previously, former Like a Dragon series creator Toshihiro Nagoshi said he viewed the platform as something for "kids and teens," playing down the series' chances on the Switch. Seeing as Nintendo previously passed on publishing the original Yakuza game, there is likely some merit to Nagoshi's beliefs. While that sentiment might still hold true for the series, it appears that Yakuza Kiwami is already doing better than expected on Nintendo's platform.
7 Yakuza Games Are Getting New Physical Editions
Seven games in Ryu Ga Gotoku's Like a Dragon series are all getting brand-new collector physical editions, starting with two essential Yakuza games.
Based on a recent live broadcast featuring Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama (translated courtesy of Install Base), the Nintendo Switch version of Kiwami has sold much better than expected. Yokoyama says that the Switch port of Yakuza Kiwami is "selling like hotcakes," saying it's apparently a good figure. Yokoyama says that when Sega executives were predicting the sales targets for Kiwami, he was thinking too "conservatively."
Yokoyama says Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch is "Selling Like Hotcakes"
Yokoyama went on to say that he had some doubts about the game's chances, considering how it had been out for nearly eight years on other platforms, on top of Yakuza Kiwami being digital-only on Switch. Despite all that, he expresses how happy he is to see people buying and playing Kiwami on the Switch, noting how difficult it is to sell an older game on a new system. Yokoyama even noted that he got his own copy of the game on Switch, saying how nice it is to have the game on the go.
Yakuza Kiwami's release on Switch is a stark contrast to the last time that the series was released on Nintendo's hardware. Back in 2013, the Wii U got a port of Ryu ga Gotoku 1 & 2 HD for Wii U, a set of HD remasters of the first two Yakuza games on PS2, with this HD collection originally released on the PS3 the year prior. Despite the ports being received well, the Wii U version sold poorly compared to its PS3 counterpart, and has remained a Japan-only release. Yakuza Kiwami doing well on Nintendo Switch bodes well for the future of the Like a Dragon series on future Nintendo hardware.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 81%
- Released
- August 29, 2017
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ / Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sega, Deep Silver
WHERE TO PLAY
Take the fall for a murder and emerge from prison 10 years later to yakuza clans on the brink of a war that hurtles you on an intense journey of love, humanity, and betrayal, fueled by your fists and unyielding resolve, set against a bustling red-light district in modern-day Japan.
Dynamically switch between 4 fighting styles (brutal "Brawler", speedy "Rush", overpowering "Beast", legendary "Dragon"), while utilizing makeshift weapons scattered around the streets to takedown hordes of enemies in realistic fights that are exhilarating and fun for anyone to pick up and play.
After breaking some faces, take a break from the main story to enjoy the immersive nightlife activities scattered throughout the city like karaoke, the casino, cabaret club, arcade, batting cages and more as you encounter colorful characters from all walks of life.
- Engine
- Dragon Engine
- Franchise
- Yakuza
- PC Release Date
- August 29, 2017
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- October 24, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 18 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
