ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports a Real Possibility?

The long-awaited news has broken for Shenmue fans! ININ Games has secured the publishing rights to Shenmue III, sparking excitement and speculation about potential releases on new platforms. This development follows the game's 2019 PlayStation exclusive launch and could finally bring Shenmue III to Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles.

ININ Games' Acquisition Opens Doors to Wider Release

The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games is a significant step. ININ Games, known for its multi-platform releases of classic arcade titles, may extend the same treatment to Shenmue III, significantly expanding its player base. Currently available on PS4 and PC (digitally and physically), a release on Xbox and Switch is now a realistic possibility.

Continuing Ryo's Journey in Shenmue III

Originally funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Shenmue III continues Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua's quest for revenge. The game, built using Unreal Engine 4, blends classic aesthetics with modern graphics, delivering a vibrant and immersive experience. While receiving a "Mostly Positive" rating (76%) on Steam, some user feedback highlighted issues such as controller-only gameplay and delayed Steam key delivery. Despite these minor criticisms, the demand for an Xbox and Switch port remains strong.

A Shenmue Trilogy on the Horizon?

This acquisition could pave the way for a complete Shenmue trilogy release under ININ Games. With their proven track record of bringing classic games to modern platforms (including a collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation on Taito titles launching December 10th), the possibility of a bundled Shenmue I, II, and III release is now a very real prospect. Shenmue I and II are already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While unconfirmed, this development significantly increases the likelihood of a unified trilogy release.