For the majority of its existence, theYakuza/Like a Dragonseries has been a PlayStation-exclusive franchise. Almost every mainlineYakuzagame and spin-off in between, fromYakuza(2005) toYakuza 6: The Song of Life, has initially debuted on a Sony console. Over the last 5 or so years, though, series publisher Sega has adopted a more multiplatform approach with its long-running franchise. In 2019, the company broughtYakuza Kiwami, a formerly PS4-exclusive remake of the first entry in the series, to Windows PCs. Eventually, Sega ported everyLike a Dragongame that was available on the PS4 to PC and Xbox One throughout 2020 and 2021.
These days, theLike a Dragonseries enjoys simultaneous multiplatform releases across PlayStation and Xbox consoles, in addition to PCs. Sadly, Nintendo fans have been unable to join in on the fun, at least for the most part. While Sega has recentlybroughtYakuza Kiwamito the Switch, there are currently no otherLike a Dragongames on it, and upcoming releases such asLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuzain Hawaiiare skipping the platform. TheLike a Dragonseries still has a long way to go until it becomes fully playable on the system, butthe success ofYakuza Kiwami’s Switch portmay encourage Sega to bring the franchise to Nintendo consoles on day-one from now on.
It’s Time for Sega to Bring Like a Dragon Games to Nintendo Platforms on Day-One
RGG Studios Didn’t Want to Bring Like a Dragon to Switch Because It Thought The Console Was Too Kid-Friendly
The Nintendo Switch is, by far, one of the most successful consoles of all time, having sold over 146 million units as of November 2024. One would think that, given its popularity, Sega would have put severalLike a Dragongames on the Switch by now, but that hasn’t happened yet. In 2022, Masoyoshi Yokoyama, the head ofLike a Dragondeveloper Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, shed some light on the matter. He explained thatRGG was hesitant to put its games on the Switchbecause the company viewed it as a console for kids. Yokoyama added that the developers at the company viewed themselves as “people of the night world” and that theLike a Dragonseries was too mature in nature to appeal to the younger audience on the Switch.
Since there is no shortage ofmature and adult-oriented games on the Switch, these statements did seem a bit odd at the time. To Yokoyama’s credit, though, he did note that the “perception” of Nintendo’s hybrid console was changing and that maybe one day the company would bring theLike a Dragonseries to the platform. Now thatYakuzaKiwamiis currently on Nintendo Switch, it’s clear that day has finally arrived. The Switch port of the game is, according to Masoyoshi Yokoyama himself, “selling like hotcakes,” so it’s evident that his assumption about theLike a Dragonseries being too mature for Nintendo consoles was a misjudgment.
More Like a Dragon Switch Ports are Nice, But Sega Should Take Things a Step Further
Shortly after the release ofYakuza Kiwamion Switch,Sega posted a survey on its websiteasking fans if they would like to play moreLike a Dragontitles on the Nintendo console. Taking this into consideration, it seems likely that more Switch ports ofRGG Studios’s hit games are on the way. While it would be great ifYakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 2, and other previousLike a Dragontitles got released on the Switch as well, staggered launches like these wouldn’t be enough for Sega to take full advantage of the console’s install base. If the company truly wants to make the most out of supporting Nintendo’s console, it needs to start embracing simultaneous releases on the platform.
If possible, Sega should try tobringLike a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaiiand other futureLike a Dragongames to the Nintendo Switch on the same day they are released on other platforms.Pirate Yakuza, in particular, will be playable on PS4 and Xbox One when it comes out in February 2025, so with some technical wizardry, it may be able to run on the Switch. If not, though, then Sega and RGG Studio should aim to bringLike a Dragongames to the Switch 2 as often as they do on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
WHERE TO PLAY
A new legend begins as you step into the steel toe boots of Goro Majima, a man who has lost his memory and reinvents himself as a pirate on the open sea.Embark on an over-the-top, modern-day pirate adventure with an ex-yakuza, now pirate captain and his crew as they engage in exhilarating combat on land and sea in the hunt for lost memories and a legendary treasure.PIRATE YAKUZA ADVENTURE AHOY!Goro Majima, a notorious ex-yakuza suddenly finds himself shipwrecked on a remote island in the Pacific. Unable to remember even his own name, he sets sail in search of clues to his lost memories, accompanied by a boy named Noah who saved his life. Before long, they’re caught up in a conflict between cutthroat criminals, modern-day pirates, and other scoundrels over a legendary treasure.GET YOUR SHIP TOGETHERAssemble a one-of-a-kind crew while upgrading your ship as you explore the open sea and forge your legend in the cannon fire of foes, unexpected friendships, and immense riches made along the way.When an enemy pirate ship catches you in their sights, an exhilarating real-time cannon battle breaks out. Quickly maneuver into position while avoiding fire, then deliver devastating damage to board the enemy ship and take down the captain in all-out crew vs. crew brawls. Conquer the seas, discover hidden islands and acquire loads of loot like a true yakuza pirate!KICK ARRRSS WITH CREATIVE COMBATDynamically switch between the “Mad Dog” and “Sea Dog” fighting styles to mix-up attacks and deliver explosive combos, juggles, and aerial takedowns that reward your creativity with over-the-top action.With “Mad Dog” style, utilize speed, agility, and flair to deliver precise yet powerful blows that stun your enemies into submission. Or make enemies walk the plank with the “Sea Dog” style that has you dual-wielding short swords and deploying tricky pirate tools to kick some serious booty.
