Yakuza Kiwami on the Switch has just been updated to version 1.01, offering some welcome improvements to its performance. For those new to the series, Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original game by Sega and has been a fan favorite since its initial release in 2016 on PlayStation consoles. Fast forward eight years to August 2024, and amidst a flurry of excitement during the Nintendo Direct event, it was announced that this beloved title would make its way to the Nintendo Switch. This release marked a significant milestone as it’s the first time a Yakuza game has graced a Nintendo console since the Japan-exclusive HD collection, Ryu ga Gotoku 1 & 2 HD for Wii U, back in 2013.
Since landing on the Switch, Yakuza Kiwami has exceeded expectations, making waves with its impressive sales figures and garnering overwhelming support from fans. Masayoshi Yokoyama, the series producer, even remarked how the game is “selling like hotcakes,” a delightful surprise for both Sega and the Ryu Ga Gotoku team. That said, the Switch version isn’t without its quirks. Some players have pointed out issues like reduced resolution and an irregular frame rate. Thankfully, this latest patch is here to address a few of these technical gremlins.
Now, speaking of performance, a video recently shared by Ryu News Ga Gotoku gives us a peek at the game’s post-update performance. We see Kiryu dashing through the bustling streets of Kamurocho, demonstrating an appreciable improvement. The game’s previous struggles with maintaining a steady frame rate during these open-world segments seem much less pronounced now.
A related point of interest is that while the update has certainly enhanced the experience, it still remains unclear if the game maintains a consistent 30 FPS on the Switch. Regardless, the improvements are promising enough for many to recommend the game, especially with optimized performance settings.
Looking ahead, while the current Switch hardware may present some limitations for the Yakuza Kiwami port, the anticipated next generation of Nintendo’s console could prove more accommodating. Rumors are swirling about a more powerful Switch 2, which could open the door to even grander titles within the franchise, such as Yakuza 0 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon.
In conclusion, Yakuza Kiwami’s journey to the Switch has been an exciting one, and with continuous updates and improvements, it looks like the future of the Yakuza series on Nintendo platforms is bright. As we await further developments, it’s a thrilling time to be a fan of this dynamic and storied franchise.
