Yakuza fans who are used to getting their fix on PlayStation consoles up until now might be a little disappointed with today’s news. Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio took to Twitter to share the news that the upcoming Yakuza: Like A Dragon will be headed to PlayStation 5 as a free upgrade for PlayStation 4 owners, but not until March 2, 2021.
This is in contrast to the Xbox Series S|X version of the game which is set to release on the same day as the (current) current-gen version as well as the PlayStation 4 version at launch. That date has moved forward slightly as well, with these platforms now launching on the same day as the Series S|X hardware on November 10, 2020. RGG Studio also clarified that owners of the game on disc for PS4 would still be able to upgrade to PS5 for free, but that save data won’t transfer from one version to the next.
It’s certainly an interesting move on RGG Studio/SEGA’s part given the game has been out in Japan, where its primary audience is, since January on PlayStation 4. This presumably means that the next-gen version of Yakuza: Like A Dragon will also be an Xbox exclusive in Japan, a region where Xbox has traditionally performed quite poorly, for four entire months. Whether that helps push the Series S|X launch in the Japanese market remains to be seen but it’s bold – I’ll give them that.
You can see RGG Studio’s tweets below, including some nice-looking PlayStation 5 cutscene and gameplay footage:
Rise Like a Dragon on PlayStation 5 on March 2, 2021, and get a first look at in-engine footage of Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS5 right now.
Digital owners of Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4 can upgrade to PS5 for free at PlayStation Store immediately on the game’s PS5 release. pic.twitter.com/Ot7uoeKAuN
— RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) September 28, 2020
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To clarify, physical owners of Yakuza: Like a Dragon on PS4 can also use the original disc to upgrade to the PS5 version when it releases on March 2, 2021.
Save data will not be transferable between the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game.
— RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) September 28, 2020
Want even more Yakuza: Like a Dragon PS5 gameplay footage?
Here’s a look at just one of the many colorful foes you’ll face on your rise to the top, all captured on PlayStation 5. pic.twitter.com/0JsCyRRPg9
— RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) September 28, 2020
We're happy to announce that Yakuza: Like a Dragon is coming to Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, Windows 10, PlayStation 4, and Steam slightly earlier on November 10!
Upgrade from Xbox One to Xbox Series X | S for free with Smart Delivery. pic.twitter.com/josndZgaET
— RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) September 28, 2020
Kieron's been gaming ever since he could first speak the words "Blast Processing" and hasn't lost his love for platformers and JRPGs since. A connoisseur of avant-garde indie experiences and underground cult classics, Kieron is a devout worshipper at the churches of Double Fine and Annapurna Interactive, to drop just a couple of names.
