Shenmue 3 publisher ININ Games has dropped subtle hints that the beloved action-adventure game might soon find its way onto the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series consoles. Originally released in 2019 for PC and PS4 after a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, Shenmue 3 marked the long-awaited return of Ryo Hazuki's quest for vengeance—18 years after the series began. While the game received mixed reactions from fans, creator Yu Suzuki remains committed to completing Ryo's story despite the third installment's modest sales.

Late last year, ININ Games acquired the publishing rights to Shenmue 3 from Deep Silver and Embracer Group, reigniting hopes for expanded platform availability. Fans quickly took to social media to express their enthusiasm for an Xbox Series port, and ININ Games even conducted a survey in December to gauge interest in such a release.

ININ Games' Cryptic Response Fuels Speculation

Recently, ININ Games shared a nostalgic image of Shenmue 3’s EDGE Magazine cover from 2019 on their BlueSky account. When a fan inquired about potential ports for Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch 2, the publisher responded with a playful yet non-committal, "I will let you know. 😀" While this isn’t a definitive confirmation, it suggests that the possibility is being considered.

When ININ Games first secured the rights to Shenmue 3, developer YS NET hinted that the publisher would guide the game into its "next phase." While details remain scarce, a Switch 2 port could help revitalize interest in the franchise. Notably, while the first two Shenmue games are playable on Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility, they have never been available on Nintendo platforms. Releasing remastered versions of the earlier titles alongside Shenmue 3 could be a strategic move.

A Strong Lineup for Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to have an impressive launch lineup, featuring both new titles like Mario Kart World and ports such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Sonic X Shadow Generations. If ININ Games follows through, Shenmue 3 could join this roster, offering fans another chance to experience Ryo Hazuki’s journey—while keeping hope alive for a future sequel.