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Last year’s release of Yakuza Kiwami on Nintendo Switch was an exciting development for crossover Nintendo/Yakuza fans. The only time a Yakuza game had appeared on a Nintendo console prior to this was in the Japan-only release of Ryū ga Gotoku 1 & 2 on Wii U. Kiwami‘s appearance on Switch left fans wondering: is this going to open the floodgates for the rest of the series to appear on the console?
The answer is yes, but not on Switch — rather, on Switch 2. During this morning’s jam-packed Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, Masayoshi Yokoyama, Director of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios/Executive Director, announced that Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is coming to Switch 2. This version of the game, which the studio is describing as the definitive edition, will include never-before-seen cutscenes and “deeper insights into character backstories and incidents.”
In addition, a new multiplayer mode called Red Light Raid will make its debut in this version. Players will be able to unlock 60 characters and join friends to take down swarms of enemies.
The events of Yakuza 0 take place in 1988, and the game serves as a prequel to the series. An empty lot, its owner, and a complex plot for money, power, and control are at the center of the game’s story. The player takes control of both Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima at different parts of the game, and introduces us to these much-beloved characters in their 20s, as both young men are embarking on their respective paths within the yakuza.
Much like Yakuza Kiwami, the footage of Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut looked crisp, sharp, and smooth during the Direct presentation. Given that Kiwami and 0 are built on the same engine, and Kiwami looked great and played well on Switch, it’s giving us hope that it’ll be similarly smooth sailing for 0 on Switch 2.
Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut will be available for purchase on the Switch 2’s launch day of June 5, 2025.
Source: Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 Broadcast 04.02.25
