Switch 2’s Surprising Edge? Yakuza 0 Comparison Sparks Debate
The upcoming Switch 2 is generating buzz, and a recent comparison video of Yakuza 0: Director's Cut running on the new Nintendo console versus the PlayStation 4 version has set the tech world abuzz. Could this be a sign that the Switch 2 might actually have a performance edge over the PS4?
Sega has been releasing short clips showcasing the English dub for the Yakuza 0: Director's Cut on Switch 2. YouTuber Cycu1 compiled these clips, creating a side-by-side comparison with the same scenes running on a PS4 (via backward compatibility on PS5). The results have been intriguing.
At first glance, the two versions appear nearly identical. However, upon closer inspection, particularly in close-up shots of characters, the Switch 2 version seems to display slightly crisper details, especially in the rendering of skin pores. While some compression in the footage might be a factor, this comparison offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential capabilities of Nintendo's new hardware.
Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is slated to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5th, 2025. This exclusive edition will feature new cutscenes, an English dub (a first for Yakuza 0), and a new four-player online mode called Red Light Raid, offering up to 60 playable characters. This is a significant upgrade adding to the appeal.
Interestingly, despite being the sixth main entry released, Yakuza 0 is chronologically the first game in the Yakuza series timeline. While fans debate the optimal starting point for newcomers, many recommend Yakuza 0 due to its prequel status. The title originally debuted on PS3 and PS4 in Japan in 2015, with a worldwide PS4 release in 2017, followed by PC and Xbox One ports.
Further adding to the excitement around the Yakuza 0: Director's Cut is the stellar voice acting cast. David Hayter, famed for his portrayal of Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series, will be lending his voice to the role of Osamu Kashiwagi. It seems that joining Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter 6, and more.
While early impressions are promising, only time will tell if Yakuza 0 can definitively prove Switch 2's graphical mettle. For those eager to jump into the Yakuza series now, consider the Nintendo Switch release of Yakuza Kiwami, an excellent starting point, if not quite as impactful as Yakuza 0.
What are your thoughts on this early comparison? Does it make you more excited for the Switch 2? Share your opinions in the comments below!
