Yu Suzuki and publisher ININ Games have announced Shenmue 3 Enhanced at Gamescom 2025. It’s described as “the most refined version of Ryo Hazuki’s epic journey,” and will see the 2019 action adventure release on new platforms with new features and enhanced visuals.
The Enhanced version is “more vibrant, more responsive, and more accessible than ever, guided by Yu Suzuki’s vision,” ININ Games said. Expect “sharper” textures, faster load times, and “smoother” gameplay. There’s also increased NPC density, a classic camera mode inspired by Shenmue 1 and 2, and various gameplay tweaks.
Shenmue III Enhanced will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo (the specific Nintendo platform is listed as TBD, so it’s unclear if it’s a Switch 2 exclusive or not) and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).
There are no screenshots or videos yet, but we do know owners of the original Shenmue 3 on PS4 and PC will be offered an upgrade path to the Enhanced Edition, with details coming soon.
Shenmue 3 Enhanced Key Enhancements:
- Enhanced Graphics & Performance – Sharper textures, richer details, faster load times, and smoother gameplay.
- 4K Texture Uplift – Refined, more detailed environments and characters.
- DLSS/FSR Support – High-quality upscaling without sacrificing performance (supported platforms only).
- Increased NPC Density – The city village Niaowu feels more alive with more characters populating the streets.
- Classic Camera Mode – An optional camera perspective inspired by Shenmue I & II, alongside the modern view.
- Gameplay Tweaks – Optional stamina system adjustments, health restoration before fights, and reduced money barriers for smoother progression.
- Improved Interactions – Cutscene and conversation skip options, expanded QTE timing window for more accessible gameplay.
- Menu & UX Enhancements – Streamlined navigation and helpful purchase alerts.
- Optionality First – All major changes can be toggled to preserve the original experience for purists.
Shenmue 3 became a reality after Ys Net’s record-breaking 2015 Kickstarter, which saw the fastest $1 million pledged for a crowdfunded game.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
