Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut Review – Nintendo Switch 2

As a big fan of the Yakuza franchise, learning that I’d get to experience one of its greatest entries as a launch title of my new Nintendo Switch 2 had me pretty excited. Not only because I knew the game was good, but also because it shows what the system is capable of, and showcases to third party publishers the kind of games that can and should be brought to the new system. Now after sinking a heap of hours into the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho and Sotenbori all over again, I can say without hesitation: Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut isn’t just a worthy re-release—it might be the definitive version of one of the best crime dramas in gaming, especially if you like to play games on the go.

If you’ve never touched a Yakuza game before, don’t worry—Yakuza 0 is the perfect place to start. This is a prequel to the mainline series, set in 1988, introducing us to the two most iconic characters in the franchise: Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima.

Kiryu is a young yakuza just starting to make a name for himself, but he quickly finds himself framed for murder and caught in a brutal real estate turf war that spirals into a conspiracy far bigger than he could imagine. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Majima—exiled, stylish, and completely unhinged—runs a cabaret club while secretly planning his return to the underworld. What makes this setup brilliant is how both stories run in parallel, eventually weaving together into something that feels epic without ever losing its emotional core. It’s classic Yakuza: crime, betrayal, honor, and heartbreak, all wrapped up in drama that feels more like a prestige TV series than a video game at times.

Where Yakuza 0 really shines is with it’s characters. Anyone who’s played the series will tell you the characters are truly unforgettable. Kiryu starts off as a stoic but loyal enforcer, gradually shaped by the chaos around him. Majima, on the other hand, steals every scene he’s in. You watch him evolve from a cold, calculated businessman into the “Mad Dog of Shimano” we know and love. Both characters have fully fleshed-out arcs, and the new story cutscenes added in this Director’s Cut give even more insight into their decisions and motivations.

The supporting cast isn’t just filler either. They’re also deep, developed over time and have arcs with stories that will absolutely wreck you—every character feels human even though they’re often put in larger than life situations. Their motivations are clear, their actions carry weight, and when things go wrong (and they do), you feel it.

The Japanese voice acting is top-tier, delivering intensity and nuance across every performance. For the first time ever, there’s also a full English dub, and surprisingly, it holds up well. While I still lean toward the original voices for authenticity, the dub is a welcome addition for newcomers or those who prefer to experience the story without reading subtitles.

Set in the fictional districts of Kamurocho (based on Tokyo’s Kabukicho) and Sotenbori (inspired by Osaka’s Dotonbori), Yakuza 0 captures the vibrancy of Japan in the late ’80s like nothing else. Neon signs glow in every alley, the streets are packed with rowdy drunks, club promoters, and gangsters, and there’s a real rhythm to the world.

Whether you’re stumbling into a fight or getting sidetracked by a pocket racing league, the setting is dense with life and personality. The Switch 2 handles it beautifully—textures are crisp, lighting is rich, and the menus pop with style. It’s the same visual fidelity you’d expect from the PS4 version, but now running at a smooth 60fps both docked and handheld. It’s honestly shocking how good this game looks on the go, but not unexpected given it is 8 years old now.

The combat is a throwback brawler system with a modern twist. Each character has multiple fighting styles you can switch between on the fly—Kiryu’s brawler, beast, and rush styles offer a mix of speed and power, while Majima’s breaker, Mad Dog and slugger styles are as wild as he is. It’s fast, flashy, and brutal, with Heat Actions that are still satisfying after the hundredth time you smash a guy’s face into a vending machine.

Outside of the main story, there’s a lot to do. Like, a lot. You can run your own real estate business as Kiryu or manage a cabaret club as Majima. There are karaoke mini-games (yes, they’re amazing), disco dance-offs, batting cages, arcades, bowling, slot car racing, and many more activities, ranging from heartfelt to completely ridiculous.

This isn’t just open-world bloat—it’s the soul of Yakuza 0. These side activities are often hilarious, sometimes emotional, and always entertaining. Often absurd, and it works.

This isn’t just a lazy port. The Director’s Cut label actually means something here. First off, the added story content: new cutscenes fill in gaps in character motivations and backstory, tightening an already stellar narrative. Not just throwaway additions—they give more clarity to characters and provide wider context, deepening your understanding of their roles in the larger story.

There’s also a brand-new online multiplayer mode featuring 4-player co-op combat missions. It’s not a full-blown live service component, thankfully, but a fun diversion where you can test your brawling skills with friends in challenge-based scenarios. Think: wave-based enemies and boss gauntlets. It’s a solid addition that doesn’t detract from the core experience, though I’m not sure how long it will keep players engaged and addicted.

And yes, the entire game is here—nothing’s cut, nothing’s trimmed. The full experience, from story to substories, is intact and fully playable on a handheld. And it never skips a beat.

Playing Yakuza 0 on the Switch 2 feels like cheating—in a good way. It looks just as good as the original PS4 release, but now it runs at 60fps and travels with you. Battery life holds up decently considering the visual fidelity, and loading times are impressively short. The haptics on the Joy-Con 2s are used subtly—rumbling with intensity during Heat Actions or boss intros.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never played a Yakuza game, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is your perfect entry point. If you have played it, this version gives you the excuse—and the enhancements—to revisit it in the best way possible. Between the polished visuals, new content, flawless performance, and the added portability of the Switch 2, this is more than a re-release—it’s a celebration of what made Yakuza 0 great in the first place.

SEGA absolutely nailed this port, and here’s hoping it’s just the beginning of the entire franchise making its way to Switch 2. Bring them all. For now, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut sets a high bar, and it’s a must-play whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime fan.

A Nintendo Switch 2 review code was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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