Finally, Yakuza on Switch: When Kiryu Meets Mario

If you're one of those people who thinks the Switch is just for cute, colorful games, with Mario jumping on turtles and Link solving puzzles in Hyrule, get ready to take a (literal) punch of reality.

Sega of America and Ryu Ga Gotoku studio are bringing Yakuza Kiwami for the Nintendo Switch, marking the beloved franchise's debut on the hybrid console. That's right, kids, Kazuma Kiryu is coming to show that the Switch isn't just for chasing bananas with Donkey Kong.

The Modern Samurai of Kamurocho

If you've never heard of Kazuma Kiryulet me give you a sneak peek: the guy is basically the John Wick of Japan, but with more heart and less dogs. In Yakuza Kiwamiyou take on the role of Kiryu, a former Yakuza member who gets the blame for a murder he didn't commit (because loyalty, bro!). After a decade of prison vacation, the guy returns to a red light district that's about to erupt into a clan war. And no, he's not going to settle this mess with sweet talk – this is where he's going with his fists!

And that's what makes it Yakuza Kiwami so special. This isn’t just a fighting game. It’s a Japanese soap opera filled with drama, betrayal, redemption, and a bunch of insane minigames ranging from RC car racing to… karaoke. Yes, you read that right. After beating up some guys in the middle of the street, you can go into a bar and sing like you're on The Voice. Because after all, even mobsters need a moment to relax, right?

When Nintendo Meets Yakuza

Now, you might be thinking: “But Yakuza on the Switch? How does that work?” Well, for starters, Nintendo has already been making room for heavier games, such as The Witcher 3 and Doom. But bringing Yakuza, which is so rooted in Japanese culture, to the Big N console is a bold and sensational move. After all, who would have thought that one day we would see Mario sharing space with the dragon of Dojima?

Yakuza Kiwami on Switch promises to bring the same intense experience we've seen on Sony consoles, but now with the advantage of portability. Just imagine: you're on the bus going to work, beating up some bad guys and then stopping to do some fishing. Yes, fishing. Because in Kiryu's world, between one mission and another, there's always time to relax.

Timing is Everything

The arrival of Yakuza Kiwami on Switch in October 2024 couldn't be more perfect. Not only because it's a month of trick-or-treating, but because the Yakuza franchise is having a year full of bombastic releases. In January, we already had the Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealtha new episode that only increased fans' expectations. And if that wasn't enough, there's also the live-action series Like a Dragon: Yakuza arriving on Prime Video in the same month. In other words, fans are being spoiled, and those who don't yet know Kiryu will have several chances to fall in love with this world.

And why choose Kiwami for the Switch?

For those who don't know, Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the first game in the series, which came out way back in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. But don't be fooled – this isn't just a remaster with improved graphics. The team at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio took the original story, refined it, added new cutscenes and combat mechanics, and brought it all to the current generation. The result? A game that honors the original, but also holds up as a modern and addictive experience.

And this is the perfect choice to introduce the franchise to the Switch audience. It’s like starting from the beginning, but on steroids. If you’ve never played Yakuza, Kiwami is the place to start. And if you’re already a fan, revisiting Kiryu’s rise in Kamurocho has never been so much fun.

But so, is it worth it?

Look, if you enjoy a good drama, charismatic characters and, of course, unbridled action, Yakuza Kiwami is a real treat. The game has been acclaimed by critics and fans alike, not only for its engaging story, but also for the richness of its world. Kamurocho may be a fictional district, but it feels more alive than many real cities. The NPCs have a life of their own, the establishments are always full of things to do, and every corner hides a new surprise.

Furthermore, the addition of Yakuza Kiwami to the Switch’s catalog just goes to show how the console is becoming a home for all types of gamers – from casual to hardcore. And with the Switch’s portability, you can take this epic saga anywhere. Just be careful not to end up punching the air while playing on the subway.

Opera Summary

Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch is what we didn’t even know we needed, but now that it’s here, there’s no way to ignore it. Set to launch on October 24, 2024, this is the perfect time to dive into the world of Kazuma Kiryu, whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran of the series. Get ready for a game that mixes action, drama, humor, and an insane amount of things to do – all packed into the portable package of the Switch.

History of the Yakuza Franchise

The franchise Yakuza began back in 2005 on the PlayStation 2 and has since become one of Sega's most beloved series. Created by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the series is set in the Japanese criminal underworld, but it's much more than just punches and kicks. With a rich narrative and unforgettable characters, Yakuza has won over a legion of fans around the world. Each game in the series brings a new layer to the story of Kiryu and his allies, mixing realism with a touch of insanity that only Japanese games can deliver. If you haven't heard of this gem yet, Yakuza Kiwami is the perfect chance to start this epic journey.