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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yakuza Kiwami is no longer coming to Nintendo Switch. It arrived on the original Switch in October 2024 and followed on Nintendo Switch 2 in November 2025. The original Switch version is digital-only, while the Switch 2 version is sold as a physical game-key card that requires a first-time download. This article covers the release timeline, how the two editions differ, and what the game is.
When Yakuza Kiwami released on Switch
The original Switch launch was announced in October 2024, with the exact day depending on the market. SEGA of America gave October 24, 2024, and SEGA’s Japanese announcement gave October 25, 2024 for the Japanese eShop. If you are checking a regional storefront, use the date for your market, since the two announcements differ by one day.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties - Nintendo Switch 2 | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Yakuza Kiwami - Nintendo Switch 2 | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Yakuza Kiwami 2 - Nintendo Switch 2 | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Yakuza Kiwami Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Ms0NEfTjL._SL160_.jpg)
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Yakuza Kiwami Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Edition | Release date | Market and source | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Nintendo Switch | October 24, 2024 | SEGA of America announcement | Digital-only, according to SEGA’s product page |
| Original Nintendo Switch | October 25, 2024 | SEGA Japanese announcement (Japanese eShop) | Digital-only, according to SEGA’s product page |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | November 13, 2025 | Release date per SEGA’s official game site; regional scope not stated | Physical game-key card |
Choosing between the original Switch and Switch 2 editions
The two editions differ in format, setup requirements, and what you can carry over. SEGA’s official pages describe the following for each.
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| Factor | Original Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | October 2024 (October 24 or 25 depending on market) | November 13, 2025 |
| Format | Digital-only | Physical game-key card |
| Download and connection | Not stated in the official pages reviewed | Broadband required; 22 GB first-time download |
| Save data | Can transfer to Switch 2 | Cannot transfer back to original Switch |
SEGA’s announcements do not document performance differences between the two versions, so this article makes no claims about frame rate or resolution.
#1 Best Overall
- A LEGEND IS REBORN AND A NEW LEGACY BEGINS: Two men will walk different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of fate.
- Yakuza Kiwami 3: Continue the story of ex-yakuza Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect those he loves in an extreme remake of Yakuza 3 that evolves every aspect of the beloved game.
- Dark Ties: Experience the brand-new tale of Yoshitaka Mine from Yakuza 3 in an included separate game.
- Game-key card: Full game download via internet required.
What the game-key card does and does not contain
The Switch 2 edition’s card is a game key, not the full game. Installing the game requires the 22 GB first-time download, and that download needs a broadband connection. Plan for that before you start, especially if you are setting up the game on a new console.
Moving save data between consoles
- Save data from the original Switch edition can transfer to Switch 2.
- Save data created on Switch 2 cannot transfer back to the original Switch.
- If you plan to keep playing on the original Switch, keep that console’s save as your fallback, since progress made on Switch 2 will not carry back.
What Yakuza Kiwami is
SEGA describes Yakuza Kiwami as a full remake and reimagining of the original Yakuza. It is an action-adventure game starring Kazuma Kiryu. The story opens when Kiryu returns to Kamurocho after ten years in prison. He meets Haruka while a mystery involving 10 billion yen unfolds around them.
Rank #2
- NEON LIGHTS. BRUTAL FIGHTS. ENDLESS NIGHTS.
- Unwind a 10-billion-yen conspiracy in Tokyo’s red-light district, fueled by your fists that will make you a legend.
- Immersive Exploration. Crushing Combat. Engaging Activities.
- Game-key card: 30 GB Full game download via internet required.
Beyond the main story, SEGA’s announcement lists karaoke, mahjong, casino games, darts, billiards, and Pocket Circuit as side activities. SEGA identifies the game as single-player. Its Japanese product information lists a CERO D rating, for ages 17 and up.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSEGA’s November 13, 2025 release notice describes the game this way: “Yakuza Kiwami is a complete reimagining of the first game in the Like a Dragon series, bringing all of its gripping drama, excitement, visuals, audio, and gameplay to the next level.”
Rank #3
- THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE DRAGON.
- A year after the 10-billion-yen incident, the dragons of East & West clash, and an intense battle unfolds to determine the one true dragon.
- Endless Exploration. Brutal Brawling Action. Bonus Majima Saga.
- Game-key card: 45 GB Full game download via internet required.
Context for the franchise figure
SEGA reported a worldwide total of 27.7 million standalone game units for the Like a Dragon franchise in its November 13, 2025 announcement. That figure covers the whole franchise, not Yakuza Kiwami alone, and SEGA does not break out sales for this title in the same notice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #4
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership may be required for online play.
- Please check the game detail page on Nintendo.com for membership requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
