Shenmue III Switch and Xbox Port Now a Real Possibility

ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports Possible?

The long-awaited possibility of Shenmue III arriving on additional platforms is now a real prospect, thanks to ININ Games' acquisition of the game's publishing rights. This development has sent ripples of excitement through the fanbase, especially among Xbox and Nintendo Switch owners.

Expanding Shenmue III's Reach

Originally a PlayStation 4 exclusive (released in 2019, also available on PC), Shenmue III's future looks brighter than ever. ININ Games, renowned for bringing classic arcade titles to modern consoles, could potentially broaden the game's appeal by releasing it on the Xbox and Nintendo Switch. The game is currently available digitally and physically on PS4 and PC.

A Continued Journey for Ryo and Shenhua

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Shenmue III continued the saga of Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua, as they delve deeper into enemy territory to confront the Chi You Men and Lan Di. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game blends classic aesthetics with modern visuals. While receiving a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam (76%), some user feedback highlighted minor issues such as controller-only gameplay and delayed Steam key distribution. Despite these, the demand for an Xbox and Switch release remains strong.

A Shenmue Trilogy on the Horizon?

This acquisition could also pave the way for a Shenmue trilogy release under ININ Games' umbrella. The publisher's history of reviving classic games, including its current collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation on Taito titles (like the Rastan Saga and Runark, launching December 10th), suggests a strong possibility. Shenmue I and II are already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While unconfirmed, a unified trilogy release is now a realistic possibility.