Yakuza series , known for its rich representation of Japanese culture and captivating plots, made its successful debut on the Nintendo Switch. The release of Yakuza Kiwami on the handheld surprised the market, exceeding sales expectations, according to Masayoshi Yokoyama, director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
- Hunter x Hunter Game Trailer Highlights Character Razor
- T1 defeats Gen.G and reaches the Worlds 2024 final
In an interview, Yokoyama stated that the title “sells like hotcakes” on the platform, revealing that the studio underestimated the potential interest of players on the Switch.
The title's surprising success on Switch reflects the public's interest in exploring the Yakuza franchise in a portable format. Portability, highlighted as a key differentiator, allows players to take the franchise's engaging narrative and intense action anywhere, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional consoles.
Yakuza franchise expansion for Nintendo Switch
Yakuza Kiwami is the first in a series traditionally aimed at PlayStation audiences and, more recently, Xbox and PC. The arrival on Switch represents a milestone, given that the console has been on the market for seven years and, until then, the series had never 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 time, 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 space for other chapters in the Yakuza series to be made available to Nintendo users, as suggested by the studio responsible.
Yakuza Kiwami on Switch: Why is there so much interest?
Yakuza franchise has always attracted players for its cultural immersion and dense narrative, elements that won over Nintendo's predominantly Japanese audience. The game's realistic Japanese setting, covering everything from yakuza to urban details, creates an authentic experience that aligns with the Switch's portable approach.
Masayoshi Yokoyama emphasized 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 longtime fans.
Even so, the success of Yakuza Kiwami indicates that many players were eagerly awaiting the chance to experience this story on a portable device, demonstrating that demand for this experience is strong and growing.
Possibilities of new titles in the Yakuza series on Switch
With the initial success of Yakuza Kiwami , the possibilities for new releases in the franchise for Nintendo are growing. The arrival of more titles on the Switch could represent an important step in Sega's expansion. This would benefit not only the Japanese audience but also players in other regions who use the console.
Like a Dragon franchise has recently undergone a revitalization, with the release of the eighth title in the main series reinforcing the saga's popularity. Thus, the expectation is that Yakuza Kiwami will pave the way for other titles, fostering a new phase of expansion and audience diversification.
