Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has revealed Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, a long-awaited remake of a classic entry in the series and a new spin-off to go alongside. The bundled pair will launch on 11th February 2026 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 is exactly what you’d want it to be, a modernising remake of the first PS3 Yakuza game, revitalising another chapter in Kazuma Kiryu’s story for current consoles. While the game has been playable through a port of the PS3 era trilogy, it was a pretty sharp step back from the quality found in the PS4 remakes of the first two Yakuza games – Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 – which made use of newer game engines and technology built for Yakuza 0 and Yakuza 6. Even those remakes are getting on a bit, though. Kiwami 2 was released way back in 2017 (and localised in 2018).
Still, Yakuza 3 did have its own innovations compared to the PS2 originals. Seamless Battle allowed for more connected fights without a loading screen, Chase Battle added higher paced fights through more environments, Revelation brought a new way to learn Heat Actions, and there was a first person view.
One of the great things here is that the Nintendo Switch 2 is being included on day one. Switch 2 owners had an enhanced port of Yakuza 0 at console’s launch, which is being followed up by a fresh port of Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2 later this year. Clearly this was all part of the plan to bring this new audience up to speed in time for Kiwami 3!
Alongside the remake of Yakuza 3 is Dark Ties, telling a brand new story around the character Yoshitaka Mine. Here’s a little blurb:
Having once led a succesful startup company, he plunged himself into the dark world of the yakuza by choice after losing everything. Left with an empty heart, the pursuit to find true bonds drives him forward once again in a dramatic journey colored by exhilarating boxing-based combat, and a variety of engaging side experiences.
Two men will walk different paths that converge to shake the very foundations of fate.
