Yakuza Kiwami

My only quibble would be, perhaps more harshly, that these versions don't offer any new cutscenes or content for the returning player. They are the nexus that will connect the past to the present of the franchise and the future Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, but if you've played them in the past (even in the near past on Nintendo Switch, in the case of Kiwami 1), I don't see too much urgency in returning to this Kamurocho. For anyone who doesn't mind reliving two classics, you're in for the best possible version of them.

The Yakuza Kiwami 1 & 2 bundle brings together two great adventures, updated in a pack that is highly recommended for those who are new to the series and want to start from the beginning. However, Kiwami 2 still has the same technical issues as in the PS4 version, although visually it is a delight, especially in portable mode.

Ultimately, though, if it’s your first time playing the series, Yakuza Kiwami is a decent place to start. Though technically, Yakuza 0 is the beginning of Majima and Kiryu’s stories, Kiwami is a fairly faithful remake of the original game from way back in 2005, so presents the actual beginning of the tale, as it was initially meant to be told (aside from a couple of bits to tie it to 0). It also doesn’t quite have the same flair or scope that much later entries have (technically 0 is the 6th). That being said, it also doesn’t have the level of bloat that many of the later entries have, and the Switch 2 port is incredibly slick and, like Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut before it, is an absolute joy to play either docked or in handheld mode.

Yakuza Kiwami feels great on Nintendo Switch 2, and performs at a smooth 60fps, displaying at 1080p. Loading times are kept snappy, and with a rare exception, cutscenes look as good as you’d hope. Kiwami itself is an excellent remake of the first game in a legendary series, and its simplistic yet addictive combat, engaging story, and surreal substories mean it's still a smash hit.

If you’ve never had a chance to check out the Yakuza series, the Nintendo Switch 2 has opened the door to one of the best ways to experience it. The first three entries are all excellent on the console, and you can immediately be prepared for Kiwami 3. Playing handheld is a blast, and the ability to quickly throw the Kamurocho brawls on the big screen is hard to beat. Even as a longtime fan, I’ve found a reason to go back and replay these fantastic games thanks to these rereleases. Keep them coming, SEGA.

Yakuza Kiwami is a remake that successfully fulfils its double purpose: to deliver an updated experience to players who enjoyed the original, and to welcome new players. Its enveloping plot, with a myriad of captivating characters and events, the fun and engaging combat system, the possibilities of exploring the game's world and, very importantly, a brilliant technical performance, make this version of Yakuza Kiwami on the Nintendo Switch 2 the ultimate edition of the game, even if a few elements can feel dated at some moments.

Kazuma Kiryu’s journey remains exciting, blending drama, brutal action, and touching moments with Haruka. Despite a few issues in the Portuguese localization, the game maintains its charm and delivers a memorable experience for both new and longtime fans.

The Switch 2 versions offer sharp image quality, stable performance, and an excellent new Spanish localization, although some pre-rendered cutscenes look worse and Kiwami 2 shows occasional frame pacing issues.

Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 on Nintendo Switch 2 are like two novels rebound after many years: they don’t tell us anything we don’t already know, but they do it with a dignity and elegance that withstand the passage of time.

With that in mind, I’d still recommend starting with Yakuza 0 if you’re completely new to the series, but Kiwami is a perfectly fine place to dive in, too. It doesn’t feel quite so bloated as some of the later entries, yet it still flexes a peerless sense of style at every opportunity. Playing Kiwami portably on Switch 2 is a joy, and I sincerely hope Sega brings the entire series to the console. It’s found itself a great home.

Yakuza Kiwami for Nintendo Switch 2 has been updated so fans can enjoy one of its best versions yet. The game runs smoothly in both handheld and docked modes, delivering one of the finest action experiences in the genre. While there’s still room for improvement, the ability to play it on the go gives it an extra edge that makes it even more enjoyable.

Yakuza Kiwami for Nintendo Switch 2 is a solid and straightforward remake that focuses on Kiryu Kazuma’s personal story. Less ambitious than Yakuza 0, but still intense, it delivers enjoyable combat, a well-paced narrative and very stable performance, making it a great way to experience the saga in portable form.

Yakuza Kiwami feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch 2, spinning a compelling tale of backstabbing and brotherhood that you can now take on the go with you.