The Dragon’s Resurgence: Yakuza Kiwami Saga Expands Across All Platforms

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the prolific creators behind the Yakuza and Like a Dragon universes, are preparing an ambitious expansion of their beloved saga. With a relentless stream of remakes and re-releases, the intricate world of Japanese underworld crime, honor, and occasional karaoke is set to captivate an even wider audience across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties: A Masterpiece Reimagined with a Dark Prequel

Leading this impressive offensive is the highly anticipated Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, slated for a February 12, 2026, release. This isn`t merely a graphical uplift; it`s a profound reconstruction of the 2009 classic, promising a complete overhaul of both gameplay mechanics and visual fidelity. Players can expect an enriched narrative with new cutscenes, expanded dialogue, and fresh side-stories that dive deeper into the original lore.

Kiryu Kazuma, the Dragon of Dojima, will unleash a new weapon-based combat style rooted in Okinawan martial arts, adding a fresh layer of strategic depth to the bone-crunching action. Beyond the brutal street brawls, fans can look forward to a charming life-simulator minigame at Kiryu`s orphanage, Morning Glory, engaging in various outdoor activities that offer a heartwarming respite from the urban chaos.

Perhaps the most enticing addition is Dark Ties, an all-new prequel that delves into the shadowy origins of Yoshitaka Mine, one of Kiryu`s most formidable adversaries. Set in the familiar neon-drenched streets of Kamurocho, this gritty crime story promises to reveal Mine`s ruthless ascent to power, complete with a new mission-based mode, Kanda Damage Control, and a survival mode within an underground fight club. And, for the audiophiles, yes, new Karaoke songs are confirmed – because what`s a Yakuza game without a chance to belt out a tune?

Preorder Bonus: Early adopters will gain Ichiban Kasuga from the newer Like a Dragon series as a member of their motorcycle gang, the Ryukyu Gals. The Digital Deluxe Edition further sweetens the deal with cosmetic DLC, including outfits and phone customization.

The Foundations Rebuilt: Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 Arrive in a Bundle

For those looking to embark on Kiryu`s initial journey, or perhaps relive the early days with modern polish, the Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 Bundle is set for a December 8 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. These definitive remakes bring the original Yakuza and its sequel, Yakuza 2, to contemporary platforms with significant enhancements.

Yakuza Kiwami meticulously reconstructed the first game, not just visually, but by overhauling its combat system to echo the acclaimed Yakuza 0. Kiryu gains four distinct fighting styles – Brawler, Beast, Rush, and Dragon – providing unparalleled versatility in combat. A standout feature, “Majima Everywhere,” sees Kiryu`s eccentric rival, Goro Majima, ambushing him at every turn, forcing impromptu battles and minigames, all contributing to the progression of Kiryu`s Dragon style. The story was also deepened, particularly fleshing out the antagonist Nishiki`s motivations, adding crucial context to his betrayal.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 then plunges Kiryu into a massive gang war following a high-profile assassination. This remake saw gameplay refined further, aligning with the fluid combat of Kiwami and 0, and introduced a compelling new scenario centered around Goro Majima, exploring his life after leaving the Tojo clan to run a construction company. Both titles benefited from vastly improved resolution, framerate, textures, and loading times, alongside a superior Japanese dub and additional substories.

Interestingly, Nintendo Switch 2 players will receive these remakes slightly earlier, on November 13, though they will be sold separately. A minor technical note: these physical editions for Switch 2 will arrive as Game-Key Cards, requiring a full digital download from the eShop upon initial insertion. A small price to pay for portable underworld adventures, perhaps?

The Genesis Unbound: Yakuza 0 Director`s Cut Expands Its Reach

Before any Kiwami, there was Yakuza 0, the chronological starting point and widely considered the pinnacle of the series. Previously exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, the Director`s Cut is finally making its way to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on December 8. This expansion is a welcome move for fans on other platforms eager to experience the game`s rich narrative and groundbreaking mechanics.

Set during Japan`s opulent late `80s financial boom, Yakuza 0 masterfully weaves the intertwined destinies of a young Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima. The Director`s Cut adds several new scenes, a brand-new English voiceover for those who prefer it, and the “Red Light Raid” mode – cooperative battles designed for players to accumulate quick cash with their fists. Beyond the thrilling main campaign, the game`s extensive management sim side-stories, involving Majima`s hostess club and Kiryu`s venture into real estate, remain unmissable highlights of this beat-`em-up masterpiece.

Beyond the Kiwami Saga: The Ever-Expanding Dragon`s Universe

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio`s commitment to the franchise extends far beyond these upcoming preorders. For those who wish to delve into the original iterations of later entries, The Yakuza Remastered Collection offers Yakuza 3, 4, and 5 with substantially improved performance and a completely redone English localization. While these are HD makeovers rather than full remakes, they remain essential pieces of the saga`s history.

The series has also diversified its offerings. The detective-centric spin-offs, Judgment and Lost Judgment, introduce investigative elements and tackle heavier themes like institutional corruption and Japan`s legal system, providing a fresh perspective within the familiar Kamurocho setting. More recently, the mainline series has evolved into the Like a Dragon titles, introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, and transitioning to a turn-based RPG combat system, seen in Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Even an action-oriented spin-off, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, has emerged, proving the studio`s willingness to experiment while honoring its roots.