Summary

  • Yakuza Kiwami will be digital-only on Nintendo Switch, disappointing fans hoping for a physical release.
  • Sega announced the surprise release on Switch during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.
  • Despite being digital-only, the game will be priced at $20, matching the cost on other platforms.

The developers of Yakuza Kiwami confirmed that the game will be a digital-only release, which may be disappointing for fans who want a physical version. Like a Dragon fans got a very big surprise during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct, where it was revealed that Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Yakuza Kiwami would be coming to Nintendo Switch. Yakuza Kiwami is the 2016 remake of the first game in the long-running series, developed as a part of the Like a Dragon franchise's 10th anniversary.

Yakuza Kiwami coming to the Nintendo Switch eight years after it first launched was a big shock, as while it originally released on PlayStation 3 and 4, and then later came to PC and Xbox One a few years later, it seemed like there were no plans for a port on Nintendo's systems. Many fans had wanted Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to bring the games to Switch for the longest time, which seemed like a pipe dream until now. Fans may want to temper their expectations a little bit, as the developers have confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami's Switch version will not have a physical release.

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This information was confirmed on Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Japanese Twitter account, stating that the Yakuza series is coming to the Nintendo Switch for the first time with the release of Kiwami. However, the message also notes that it will only be available as a digital download, with no option for a physical version. While the series has done this before, such as the Like a Dragon Gaiden spin-off only being distributed digitally in the West but getting physical versions in other regions, it appears that Sega has no plans to do a boxed physical for the release of Kiwami on Switch.

Yakuza Kiwami Will Be Digital-Only on Nintendo Switch

The lack of a physical version for Yakuza Kiwami's Switch version might be disappointing to hear for some fans, as Sega is usually good at giving gamers the option to own the game physically. The good news is that Sega is pricing Kiwami appropriately on the Switch, where it costs only $20. This matches the previous price on digital storefronts like Steam, which also costs $20.

It's not entirely out of the question that Yakuza Kiwami could get a physical version though, as companies like Limited Run Games usually create their own physical versions to sell to the most ardent fans. For example, Persona 4 Golden got a surprise physical release via Limited Run Games after it was ported to Switch, PS4, and Xbox One, so LRG could theoretically do the same for Yakuza Kiwami's Switch version. For the time being, Yakuza Kiwami will be a digital-only game on the Switch, and will launch on October 24, 2024.

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Yakuza Kiwami
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Action
Adventure
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 81%
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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
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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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
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
How Long To Beat
18 Hours