Yakuza Kiwami Developer Has Disappointing News For Switch Fans

Yakuza Kiwami Developer Has Disappointing News For Switch Fans

Key Takeaways

  • 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.

As a longtime fan of the Yakuza series, I must say that my heart skipped a beat when I heard about the digital-only release of Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch during this year’s Nintendo Direct. Having waited years for the game to come to Switch and finally seeing it materialize was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, only to realize that the leprechaun had forgotten the shovel!


In August 2024, during the Nintendo Direct broadcast, fans of the Yakuza series were in for a shock when it was announced that Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s remake, Yakuza Kiwami, would be available exclusively digitally on the Nintendo Switch. This may leave some physical copy enthusiasts feeling let down. Originally released in 2016 as a tribute to the first game in the long-standing series and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Like a Dragon franchise, Yakuza Kiwami is a remake that has garnered much attention among gamers.

The surprise arrival of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch, eight years after its initial launch, came as quite a shock to many. Although it was previously available on PlayStation 3 and 4, followed by PC and Xbox One, there was no indication that a port for Nintendo’s systems would ever happen. For years, fans had hoped that Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio would bring the game to the Switch, which seemed more like wishful thinking than a reality. However, it seems that dream has become a reality, though fans should keep in mind that the Switch version of Yakuza Kiwami will not be available in physical format.

The Japanese Twitter account of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio announced that the Yakuza series is making its debut on Nintendo Switch with the launch of Kiwami, exclusively as a digital download. Unlike previous instances where digital-only releases were followed by physical versions in certain regions, such as Like a Dragon Gaiden spin-off, it seems that Sega will not be releasing a boxed physical edition for Yakuza Kiwami on Switch.

Yakuza Kiwami Will Be Digital-Only on Nintendo Switch

For some fans who prefer a tangible copy, it could be disheartening to learn that the physical version of ‘Yakuza Kiwami’ for Nintendo Switch isn’t available. Typically, Sega offers the choice to own games physically. However, there’s some consolation: Sega has set an affordable price of $20 for ‘Kiwami’ on the Switch, which mirrors its previous digital price on platforms like Steam, where it also retails at $20.

There’s a possibility that the game Yakuza Kiwami might become available as a physical copy, considering companies like Limited Run Games often manufacture their own copies for dedicated fans. For instance, Persona 4 Golden unexpectedly had a physical release through Limited Run Games after it was made accessible on Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. So, Limited Run Games could potentially do the same for the Switch version of Yakuza Kiwami. However, as of now, the game will only be available digitally on the Nintendo Switch, with its release slated for October 24, 2024.

Read More

2024-09-01 21:05