The anticipated release of Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch has taken an unfortunate turn for fans hoping for a physical edition. Recent updates suggest that the game will be exclusively available in digital format.
According to a post by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio on their Japanese X / Twitter account, the game is designated for "download distribution only," as translated through social media. Shortly later, the English version of their account confirmed that Yakuza Kiwami will be available on the Nintendo eShop, omitting any reference to a physical version.
This news is disappointing for those wanting to include Yakuza Kiwami in their collection of physical Switch titles. On a brighter note, the critically acclaimed remake is set to launch on October 25 for the Nintendo console, priced around $19.99 / £14.99. If you’re new to the Yakuza / Like a Dragon universe, this game serves as an excellent entry point at a very attractive price.
Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original title released for PlayStation 2 back in 2005. The narrative introduces players to Kazuma Kiryu, a member of the Tojo Clan crime syndicate, who becomes a scapegoat in a murder investigation orchestrated by his boss. Following a decade behind bars, Kiryu faces the challenge of adjusting to contemporary life in Kamurocho while striving to prevent his clan from descending into turmoil.
Despite its rough beginnings, the inaugural Yakuza game captivated players with its compelling and politically charged storytelling, expertly mingled with an amusing sense of humor and a myriad of unforgettable characters that continue to grace the series to this day. While the absence of a physical edition on Nintendo Switch is disappointing, we heartily endorse giving the game a try, especially if you're eager to catch up to the modern installments like the extraordinary Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth.