It will cost $14.99 to upgrade Yakuza 0 if you own it on PC, PS4 or Xbox One by December 8 at 8:29 AM PT / 11:59 AM ET. The date applies to Yakuza Kiwami, which only costs $1.99 to upgrade, but surprisingly, Yakuza Kiwami 2’s upgrade is free.

Of course, save data doesn’t carry over for any title, nor is the offer available for physical versions or those played on subscription services. While Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut offers new story scenes and the new “Red Light Raid” mode, Yakuza Kiwami adds text language support and songs like “Receive You [Reborn]” and “Bleed” that didn’t release outside of Japan. By comparison, Yakuza Kiwami 2 will only receive a text language update.

For more details on Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut, check out our review of the Switch 2 version. The next game in the series, Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties, launches on February 11th, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Both titles are currently available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and represent remakes of the first two Yakuza games in the series. Yakuza Kiwami follows gangster Kazuma Kiryu, the legendary “Dragon of Dojima,” who exits jail and immediately becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding 10 billion yen that’s gone missing.

In Yakuza Kiwami 2, he goes up against Ryuji Goda, the “Dragon of Kansai,” as various gangs go to war. Alongside new content, each title features overhauled visuals and improvements. The upcoming language support update adds French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Latin American Spanish, Italian and Russian text.

Of course, those new to the series can look forward to Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut launching on the same platforms (and PC) on the same day. RGG Studio also confirmed that the next remake in the series, Yakuza Kiwami 3, would launch in February 2026 alongside a new spin-off, Dark Ties.

Interestingly, both of the Kiwami titles will not be getting the enhancements we saw in Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut. This means that, among other things, players will not be getting extra scenes or even English voice acting.

Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza made using the same engine as Yakuza 0. Its story takes place in 2005, shortly after protagonist Kiryu has gotten out of prison after having spent ten years there for a crime he didn’t commit. Yakuza Kiwami 2, on the other hand, is a remake of Yakuza 2 made using the Dragon Engine that first made its debut with Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. It focuses on the fate of the Tojo Clan following the events of the original Yakuza, and a new threat coming in from Osaka’s Sotenbori district.

Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 are both making their way to the Switch 2 on November 13. There will also be a digital bundle that players can pick up that includes both titles.

Resident Evil (2002)

The original Resident Evil was a groundbreaking title, mixing together survival and horror in a way that was never seen before. The PlayStation version was a product of its time, and the developer remastered it for the GameCube generation with a significant overhaul to its visuals and several quality-of-life changes. The fixed camera angles meant better pre-baked reflections and textures, making the visuals a step above what was possible with a free camera.

Speaking during a recent live broadcast (via My Nintendo News), studio director Masayoshi Yokoyama revealed that Yakuza Kiwami is “selling like hotcakes” on the Nintendo Switch, and that the company’s internal sales expectations for the port ended up falling short of actual sales “by a long shot”. 

“I think I looked at it a bit too conservatively,” he added.

Demand for Yakuza to come to Switch has been high for years at this point, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to see the franchise doing well on the platform now that it is finally available. How well the game sells going forward and whether this will lead to more Yakuza / Like a Dragon games coming to Switch is, of course, the real question- though Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega will surely be encouraged by the early numbers.

A remake of the original Yakuza title, Yakuza Kiwami takes players to the small but dense open world setting of Kamurocho, with protagonist Kazuma Kiryu starring in one of his earliest crime sagas. The remake also includes new story content focused on Akira Nishkiyama and Goro Majima, while the latter is also featured as a recurring random enemy that Kiryu has to repeatedly fight. Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of what the game looks like on the Switch. 

Yakuza Kiwami is also available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Hopefully its Switch launch will pave the way for additional Yakuza / Like a Dragon titles to come to Nintendo’s platform as well. 

Closing off the recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, Sega announced that Yakuza Kiwami will be releasing for the Nintendo Switch this October. A remake of the original game in the series, Yakuza Kiwami should serve as a solid entry point into the series for newcomers on the Switch, while veterans can, of course, always take the excuse to replay a great game. Check out the trailer below for a look at what the game looks like running on the Switch. 

Whether Kiwami’s launch is going to lead to other Yakuza games also coming to the Switch (or perhaps its successor) remains to be seen, but that’s certainly what the hope would be. 

Yakuza Kiwami launches for the Switch on October 24. It’s currently available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. 

15. Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty!

Oddworld has always been something of a niche series, and thankfully the remake of 1997’s Abe’s Odyssey hasn’t lost that unique charm. New ‘n’ Tasty successfully takes the janky early 3D game and brushes it up to 2014 polish with modern HD graphics. The clearest demonstration of this polish is the much-improved level flow thanks to the elimination of screen partisions in favor of seamless platforming. Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is the best way to play the 1997 classic today, and it helped pave the way for a wider Oddworld audience.

 14. The Last of Us Part 1

The Last of Us Part 1 took one of the greatest games of all time and made it even better. The graphical improvements showcase the power of PS5 hardware with remarkably dense foliage and improved animations across the board. AI got a substantial overhaul as well, as companions help you fight off the improved enemy AI. And as if the enhanced AI didn’t bolster the challenge enough, The Last of Us Part 1 features a speedrun mode that tracks your time per chapter. The Last of Us Part 1 may not be the most needed remake in the world, but it sure stands as one of the most impressive.

13. Shadow of the Colossus

2018’s Shadow of the Colossus is another example of a 1-to-1 faithful remake that doesn’t distance itself far from the original. As expected, Bluepoint Games updated the graphics to modern standards. The result is a truly transformed vision of the classic PS2 game where the slightest change in lighting can give a totally unique ambiance from the original. Best of all, the controls are vastly improved with a bevy of convenience features the original lacked.

12. Star Fox 64 3DS

Who doesn’t love Star Fox 64? It’s such an easy game to pick up and play, and the 3DS remake makes it even easier with its portability. Star Fox 64 looks amazing on the 3DS, with some of the most attractive 3D visuals on the system. By and large, Star Fox 64 3DS is a faithful remake of the arcade shooter original with a host of cool enhancements. The orchestrated soundtrack is easy to love, and the new Score Attack mode is a fun way to replay all those classic levels with added challenge and rewards.

11. System Shock

1994’s seminal System Shock redefined what a shooter can be and helped create the immersive sim genre. Fast-forward to 2023 and the remake is just as fascinating and immersive as it was back in the day. 2023’s System Shock is by far the best way to experience the game. The gunplay is worlds apart from the janky original with tight and snappy controls and a convenient interface. The sub-par music is fully redone here with an ambient soundtrack that accompanies the HD graphics wonderfully. System Shock gets the royal treatment in this faithful remake, even keeping the backtracking in the original. There’s never been a better time to experience System Shock, especially with the console release dropping in a couple of months and the sequel coming soon.

10. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

Metal Gear Solid had some rough gameplay segments on the PS1. Pseudo-tank controls compounded some of the game’s backtracking issues and made it a slog at times. Well, the remake smooths those control issues over with the wonderful Gamecube control stick scheme and gameplay lifted from Metal Gear Solid 2. Twin Snakes also adds updated cutscenes, which serve to fill in transitions and add more comedy relief to the game. Best of all was the improved graphics to the jagged polygonal PS1 original. Metal Gear Solid has some of gaming’s most hardcore fans, so this remake didn’t satisfy all of them, but it certainly did go over well for most and helped pave the way forward for future entries in the series.

9. Yakuza Kiwami

Yakuza Kiwami is a faithful remake of the very first Yakuza, many systems and general story connectivity from Yakuza 0. Goro Majima is a recurring character in a quest chain that delighted and bewildered us in equal measure. And the inclusion of Yakuza 0’s pocket racer and many minigame don’t hurt the remake either. All in all, Yakuza Kiwami stands as the most quintessential remake in the series, making for a quirky but fantastic sequel to fan-favorite Yakuza 0.

8. Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories has long been the ugly duck of the popular series. The original Chain of Memories released on the Game Boy Advance, which just further distanced players from accepting it. But when the remake came out, it was suddenly accepted as a must-play (or watch) entry. Without hyperbole, RE: Chain of Memories supplies the best narrative of all the Kingdom Hearts games. The compelling mystery surrounding Castle Oblivion and the sinister Organization 13 get their HD treatment in this remake with full voice acting. If you want the true KH story experience, you owe it to yourself to play RE: Chain of Memories … or just watch the brilliant cutscenes.

7. Dead Space (2023)

The 2023 remake of the original Dead Space is without a doubt one of the most intense gaming experiences out there. The inclusion of enhanced DualSense rumble facilitates the ultra-detailed visuals to a scary degree. Most of you already know just how phenomenal the original Dead Space is, so imagine that but turned up several notches. I particularly appreciate the added nuance they added to Isaac Clarke and other characters’ personalities. There’s just the right amount of small additional details to fill in story gaps of the original without taking away its lean pacing and tension. Dead Space‘s remake is one of the best showcases of how modern hardware can enhance a masterpiece, and just how intense and visceral gaming in general can be.

6. Ratchet And Clank (2016)

Three years may not seem like a long time, but up until 2013, Insomniac was releasing a new Ratchet and Clank like clockwork every year. The three years of silence was broken with the first PS4 Ratchet and Clank title, and it was a remake of the very first entry to boot. 2016’s Ratchet and Clank remains the smoothest action-platformer game I’ve ever played. Sure, Rift Apart for PS5 featured next-gen tech with the new dimensional rift gun, but you just can’t beat the simplicity and excellent pacing of the remade original game. The planet of Rilgar is a highlight in the series I’ll never forget, not least of all due to the fun hoverboard minigame and pixelizer gun. Ratchet and Clank 2016 is my favorite game in the series due to its tight pacing and excellent recreation of the original’s unmatched level design.

5. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

It’s not cheating to have three games for one entry since that’s how Spyro Reignited is packaged, and what a sweet deal it is. The Spyro Reignited trilogy faithfully recreates the first three games in the Spyro series with fluid controls and completely redone graphics and physics. Each of the dragons is fully voiced and the music is completely redone while remaining faithful. Toys from Bob nailed the visual aesthetic with Spyro Reignited, giving the old PS1 series Pixar-level attention to detail. This is as faithful as remakes get, so don’t expect new or changed content here. That adherence to the original source is what makes this remake so special and deserving of a high spot on this list. Out of all the entries here, Spyro Reignited may just be the one hardest to find criticism for due to its straightforward 1-for-1 approach.

4. Black Mesa

Black Mesa is a remake of the original Half-Life, built within Half-Life 2’s engine. The well-optimized controls of the original weren’t bad to begin with, but they’re made even better with the polished Half-Life 2 tech. It’s more than just a graphical and controls overhaul though, many areas have been redesigned to feature a more balanced enemy and weapon layout. One of the biggest flaws of the original was the final area, Xen, which got completely redesigned into a very fun and well-paced level with Black Mesa. If you’re a Half-Life fan, or just a shooter fan in general, Black Mesa is a must-play for its adherence to the source material and dedication to fixing its flaws.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

RPG fans rejoice, the decade-old promise of a fully fleshed and remade Final Fantasy 7 has been fulfilled. The developer has somehow managed to squeeze a blown-up HD version of the middle portion of Final Fantasy 7 into a single game. Iconic locales such as Costa Del Sol and the infamous Gold Saucer amusement park are blown up to a glorious HD scale without losing any of their original charm. It’s a faithful remake that expands on the story elements of the original in ways the PS1 couldn’t quite communicate. The acting, soundtrack, and deep battle system continue to blow me away 150 hours later.

2. Super Mario 64 DS

Super Mario 64 is one of those classics all gamers speak fondly about, yet hesitate to return to. Whether due to the rough N64 controls or the terrible camera system, the original has aged rather poorly. That’s where the Nintendo DS remake comes in. Controls are vastly improved and the camera is downright perfect for its 3D environs. Super Mario 64 DS was the first time me and many other fans experienced the awe of added content to a beloved classic. The remake added 30 new stars, totaling 150 for the full game. Super Mario 64 DS is the definitive way to play this classic; I just wish it was available on a modern platform so more could experience it.

1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Pretty much every modern remake owes something to 2019’s Resident Evil 2. The RE2 remake established a new benchmark of what it means to take an original game and polish it to modern specifications while expanding and adding to it. Characters such as William Birkin and Chief Irons receive substantial development compared to the original, and the narrative cohesively ties into the wider Resident Evil setting following the events of RE2. Obviously, the tank controls of the original had to go in favor of precise over-the-shoulder shooting. In addition to the rich expansions on the original content, the remake adds a 4^th Survival mode and dozens of unlockable secrets ranging from new playable characters to an unbreakable knife for future playthroughs. Resident Evil 2 shines as an example of how to remake a classic game, earning it the top spot for the second year in a row.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

In addition to that, as was leaked earlier this week, Ubisoft’s open world tactical shooter Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands also joins the service’s catalog on the same day. Subscribers can also expect multiplayer horror title Dead by Daylight, adventure title Bugsnax, and post-apocalyptic first person shooter Metro Exodus. Trials of Mana, UNO, Monopoly Madness, and Monopoly Plus are also included in the lineup.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Sony is adding any legacy titles to the PlayStation Plus Premium tier library this month. As for the Essential tier, it added a solid lineup of games earlier this month as well. Read more on that through here.

Later this year, Yakuza 3 Remastered, Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered and Yakuza 6: The Song of Life will be available. Interestingly, while the remasters of Yakuza 3 to 5 are listed for PlayStation Plus Premium, Sony indicated earlier in the article, “Later this year, for Extra and Premium members, Kiryu’s story concludes with Yakuza 3 Remastered, Yakuza 4 Remastered, Yakuza 5 Remastered and Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.”

It’s possible that the separating listings are an error and the entire series is indeed coming to Extra and Premium. Stay tuned for more clarification on the same but at least Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is confirmed for both. As for Yakuza: Like a Dragon, it’s free for PlayStation Plus subscribers on PS4 and PS5 from August 2nd to September 6th.