Yakuza series , known for its rich representation of Japanese culture and captivating plots, successfully debuted on the Nintendo Switch. The launch of Yakuza Kiwami on the portable surprised the market, exceeding sales expectations, according to Masayoshi Yokoyama, director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
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Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted that adapting an old game to a new platform is challenging. This transition requires both technical adjustments and attracting a new audience, without compromising the loyalty of old fans.
The title's surprising success on Switch reflects the public's interest in exploring the Yakuza franchise in a portable format. Portability, highlighted as an essential differentiator, allows players to take the franchise's immersive narrative and intense action anywhere. Thus, overcoming the limitations of traditional consoles.
Expansion of the Yakuza franchise for the Nintendo Switch
Yakuza Kiwami is the first in a series traditionally aimed at PlayStation audiences and, more recently, Xbox and PC. The arrival on the Switch represents a milestone, given that the console has been on the market for seven years and, until then, the series had not been explored on the platform.
The version released for the Switch is a remake of the first title in the franchise, bringing graphical updates and a slightly adapted narrative to attract both new fans and veterans.
The adaptation to the Switch comes at a strategic moment, with the launch of other titles in the franchise, such as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth , and the expectation of the new Nintendo Switch 2 console. This new market configuration opens up space for other chapters in the series Yakuza are made available to Nintendo users, as suggested by the responsible studio.
Yakuza Kiwami on Switch: Why is interest so high?
The Yakuza has always attracted players due to its cultural immersion and dense narrative, elements that won over Nintendo's predominantly Japanese audience. The game's realistic setting in Japan, covering everything from the life of a yakuza to urban details, creates an authentic experience that aligns with the Switch's portable proposal.
Masayoshi Yokoyama highlighted that adapting an old game to a new platform is challenging. This transition requires both technical adjustments and attracting a new audience, without compromising the loyalty of old fans.
Even so, the success of Yakuza Kiwami indicates that many players have eagerly awaited the chance to experience this story on a handheld device, showing that the demand for this experience is strong and growing.
Possibilities for new titles in the Yakuza series on Switch
With the initial success of Yakuza Kiwami , the possibilities of new releases in the franchise for Nintendo are growing. The arrival of more titles on the Switch could represent an important step for Sega's expansion. Thus, it would benefit not only the Japanese public, but also players from other regions who use the console.
The Like a Dragon has recently undergone a revitalization. With the launch of the eighth title in the main series reinforcing the popularity of the saga. Yakuza Kiwami 's performance will open up space for other titles, promoting a new phase of expansion and diversification of the audience.
