Summary
The Nintendo Switch version ofYakuza Kiwamihas released a new update, bringing the game to version 1.01 with some improvements to the port.Yakuza Kiwamiis a remake of the first game in Sega’s long-running series. WhileKiwamiwas first released in 2016 on PlayStation consoles, it was later brought to the Nintendo Switch eight years later, via a surprise announcement during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct.Yakuza Kiwamimarks the first time that a Nintendo console has gotten aYakuzagame since the Japan-only HD collection package,Ryu ga Gotoku 1 & 2 HD for Wii U, back in 2013.
TheNintendo Switch port ofYakuza Kiwamihas been doing pretty well, getting a very enthusiastic response from fans and performing better than Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku had expected in terms of sales. Series producer Masayoshi Yokoyama commented on how the port was apparently “selling like hotcakes,” surpassing expectations internally at Sega. The Switch port ofYakuza Kiwamiisn’t without its flaws, as players have reported various performance hiccups, such as its lower resolution and an inconsistent frame rate. The first post-release patch forYakuza Kiwamion Switch has improved some aspects of its performance.
Version 1.01 ofYakuza Kiwami’s Switch portwas recently released, and Braden of Ryu News Ga Gotoku has shared a quick video of how the game was performing post-patch. This video gives a brief overview of Kiryu running through Kamurocho, confirming thatKiwami’s performance has improved a lot. A lot ofKiwami’s problems revolved around how the game’s technical performance was chugging when running through the open city, which is one of the biggest parts of playing aYakuzagame.
Yakuza Kiwami Nintendo Switch Version 1.01 Reportedly Improves its Performance
The Ryu News Ga Gotoku account noted that they couldn’t confirm if the Switch port is locked at 30 FPS, but states it’s a huge improvement and can even confidently recommend the Switch version if the performance is this consistent. If the performance ofKiwamihas improved a lot and is optimized for the hybrid console, then it’s likely theYakuzafranchise could continue to have a bright future on Switch.
While theYakuza Kiwamiport has had a few issues with Nintendo’s weaker hardware,the Switch successor consolecould potentially lead to more optimized ports. Rumors and leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 have reportedly stated that it will be more powerful than the current console, so it could potentially support ports of bigger and more ambitiousLike a Dragongames likeYakuza 0andYakuza: Like a Dragon.
Yakuza Kiwami
WHERE TO PLAY
Back and better than ever, the Yakuza series has been updated for modern gamers to experience the action, fun, and coolness of Kiryu and cohorts.1995, Kamurocho… Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, takes the fall for the murder of a crime boss to protect his sworn brother, Akira Nishikiyama, and his childhood friend, Yumi.2005… Akira Nishikiyama has become a changed man. Yumi is nowhere to be found. Ten billion yen has gone missing from the Tojo Clan’s coffers, putting the organization on the brink of civil war. And Kazuma Kiryu is released from prison to a world he no longer recognizes.With enhanced gameplay, an expanded cinematic story, the return of the battle styles from Yakuza 0, more nightlife spots, and re-recorded audio by the series cast, Yakuza Kiwami is the ultimate and most “extreme” version of the original vision of the series, now optimized for PC with 4K resolutions, uncapped frame rates, customizable controls and ultra-widescreen support.
