REVIEW: ‘Yakuza Kiwami’ & ‘Yakuza Kiwami 2’ Are At Home On The Switch 2

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2, the action beat ’em ups from Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio and Sega, are at their best on the Switch 2. While the new ports to Nintendo’s latest handheld don’t bring any new content, they’re both fantastic experiences for new players or those looking to double or triple dip. Both run fantastically, with Yakuza Kiwami 2 looking even better than before. Each still holds up entirely and is right at home on the go. 

Yakuza Kiwami, for those unaware, is the remake of the original Yakuza, first released in 2005, then remade in 2016. Kiwami is a straight port of the other versions, bringing Kazama Kiryu’s first story to the Switch 2. It’s an action beat ’em up with a ton of heart.

Yakuza Kiwami is as gripping as ever on Nintendo Switch 2.

The main story, focused on Kiryu taking the fall for a murder for a friend and the ensuing action after his release from prison ten years later, is as gripping as ever. It sets up and nails the now tried-and-true Yakuza formula: melodramatic main story, with ridiculous side quests, and plenty of minigames, like karaoke. 

It runs great on Switch 2, locked at 60fps with no noticeable drops or issues. It looks gorgeous as well, with the lighting and reflections looking stunning, even handheld. The resolution has also been improved over the Switch version, with everything looking crisp and less jagged. 

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the star of the duology here, still one of the best entries in the franchise. It originally came out in 2006, with the remake landing in 2017. The story and villain here are top-notch, as Kiryu goes head-to-head with Ryuji Goda, a beast of a human and leader of a rival crime organization.

Yakuza Kiwamai 2 is the star of the duology.

A lot of the action in Yakuza Kiwami 2 is split between two locations: Kamurocho and Sotenbori, with the first inspired by Tokyo, and the latter by Osaka. It’s a constant thrill ride that grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go.

There’s so much to do across the two locations, with plenty of new and returning mini-games to keep the player busy when not in fisticuffs. From karaoke to darts to running a cabaret club, there’s a ton to get lost in.

It all looks incredible, too, with the higher resolution and smoother textures on full display. The lights are dazzling, fights full of impact—even when things get busy, the Dragon Engine is no slouch on Switch 2.

The only major drawback for Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the same as its other versions: 30fps. Originally launched in the PS4 and Xbox One generation, it doesn’t reach the 60fps that makes Kiwami so smooth to play. It can be a bit of an adjustment switching from one game to the other.

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 both hold up entirely several console generations later.

Fortunately, the game at least maintains the frame rate without any dips or issues. The higher frame rate would’ve been nice, but the enhanced visuals do make the punch land a little softer, and it still feels perfectly fine as you play. 

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 on the Switch 2 are as excellent as ever. Both still hold up entirely, from the action to the narrative to the ridiculous side quests; each entry is fantastic in its own right. While the lack of a higher framerate on the latter would’ve been a nice boost, it does look gorgeous, even handheld. For anyone who hasn’t played either before, or for those looking for another adventure on the go, they’re right at home on the Switch 2. 

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 are available now on Nintendo Switch 2