While we don't yet know whether Capcom and Nintendo are continuing the relationship of 'main' series entries being exclusive to the big N's hardware with the inevitable Monster Hunter 5 (other systems do have alternatives and spin-offs), fans of the series have something to be thrilled about with confirmation of Monster Hunter XX coming to the Nintendo Switch. On 3DS this has been a Japan-only release, an expansion / follow-on to Monster Hunter X (Cross) (a game released as Monster Hunter Generations in the West). Though it's currently unclear, I think it's a reasonable bet that this will make the transition to the West, albeit with a Generations-based name or similar branding. The Switch is hot right now, and Capcom will surely want to embrace the opportunity to target the system's growing global audience. Time will tell, in any case.
It's no secret that I'm a big Monster Hunter fan; I've reviewed every entry in the series since Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and played a heck of a lot of Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) on Wii before that. It's been an interesting period for the series since that initial Wii release, as it's evolved far more than some may realise. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was a notable change in how the mechanics of hunting worked, giving players more freedom in their approach, and Monster Hunter Generations also brought further significant evolution (and an all-new Palico set of quests) even as it incorporated environments and monsters from the PSP days as a nostalgia kick. As a series it's improved its controls, combat mechanics, UI and quest structures in significant ways in the 'Nintendo era', and that's helped the IP to make some sales breakthroughs in the West - it's always a smash hit in Japan, regardless.
In recent years, of course, our fix has come on the 3DS, with the New 3DS iterations providing the best option - courtesy of slightly better performance and use of the C-Stick for camera control. That portable format has suited the Japanese market down to the ground, thanks to the ability to play anywhere and jump into local multiplayer (online is also included in recent entries); such is the phenomenon in Japan that when a new entry arrives the sight of groups sitting around in public playing in co-op is not uncommon. 4 Ultimate and Generations in particular are fantastic 3DS titles, packed full of content and offering full-fat and engrossing experiences. Despite how marvellous they are, I like many others have often pined for home console versions, with memories drifting to the Wii U version of 3 Ultimate.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on Wii U was typical Capcom in some respects; the GamePad touch buttons and map weren't even scaled properly because the game had been ported from 3DS, and the graphics looked nice but lacked the sort of 'remaster' treatment that would have made them really pop. Nevertheless it was HD Monster Hunter on my TV, and I loved it. Online multiplayer also benefitted from voice chat, one of the few games that actually used that Wii U GamePad microphone. On top of that you could download the relevant app and transfer your save data from the 3DS version to the Wii U iteration, and vice-versa; sure, it took a few minutes, but that minor inconvenience for taking it on the go before switching back for home console play was wonderful.
Sadly, as we all know, the Wii U struggled. Capcom like many other third-parties bailed out - I suspect that these companies didn't just bail because of struggling sales, but because it was evident that the system was unlikely to make a comeback. Much to Nintendo's benefit Capcom did continue to back the company's hardware, however, and we got those excellent follow-ups on 3DS.
When I think of what Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate offered on Wii U / 3DS, and all of the improvements the series has undergone since, I get hugely excited about the franchise coming to Switch. Whether it's this Switch version of Monster Hunter XX or a future game, I really want that experience as a fan. Heck, I'll set up a Japanese Nintendo Account and get it on the eShop if I have to.
The Switch delivers, in the most intuitive possible way, the reality of home and portable Monster Hunter that 3 Ultimate offered. Instead of messing about with an app, of course, we can all play on the TV and then just take the Switch out of the dock and, just like that, it's portable (HD at 720p) Monster Hunter gaming. If Capcom does a solid job scaling up its impressive engine (which looks nice even on the ageing technology and screens of the 3DS), XX could also be a looker.
It makes a great deal of commercial sense, too. Though Nintendo is still very much promoting the 3DS (and the upcoming New 2DS XL) it's undoubtedly the case that it's keen to promote its portability in Japan, particularly. The 'play anywhere' aspect of the system is a focus globally, too, but in Japan specifically the handheld form of Switch will hold a particular appeal for Monster Hunter fans. In releasing a 'Switch Edition' of an existing game, Capcom is also buying time before a potential 'main' entry while the Switch audience grows.
Nintendo, undoubtedly, needs to secure main series exclusivity for Monster Hunter into the Switch generation. The IP played a big part in improving the fortunes of 3DS in the early days; in the Winter of 2011 the Japanese version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (called Monster Hunter 3 G) played a significant role alongside the handheld's price cut and other major releases. The series has a hugely devoted following in Japan, and it's no exaggeration to say that it can be a system seller in the country.
From my perspective, I'm excited to combine the strides and evolution of the franchise in recent entries with improved, HD-standard visuals. As I've said in the past, there's just something about Monster Hunter games that makes them special. From the awesome weapons, the fabulous fashion in armour, and of course the epic struggles with elaborate beasts, it's a game that makes addicts of its converts. It can be tough for some to get into, but once its claws sink in there's no going back. It's an indispensable part of my personal gaming habit.
So far there are signs that Capcom believes in Switch - right down to the company's pre-release feedback on its specifications being heeded - so here's hoping the series has a long history on the platform. If it does, then we know one thing for sure - there'll be awesome gaming ahead for all of us, and big hardware sales in Japan.
Comments 43
Indeed! I was foaming at the mouth when I heard this news. The MH series is probably in my top 5. I just hope this version comes to the west, with supercharged graphics for the Switch.
I have to agree but will Capcom actually make an effort or will it be a lazy port similar to what they did on Wii U in porting the 3DS version of 3? Capcom love as much money for as little effort, most companies do, but they're especially guilty of this practise. Look at their 2 Wii U games or the SF2 game released this week. The Switch is miles more powerful than the 3DS, hammer home that point please.
As long as I can play this docked I will try one last time to get into MH. The wiiu game was still the only one I played with any sort of consistency. I think I've put 20 minutes into 4.
I asked on the previous XX article and didn't receive an answer, is this one more accessible? As in can I play the first few hours and not fall asleep? That was my biggest problem with previous versions, which i gave honest tries, but got bored and overwhelmed by tutorials when I just wanted to go out and hunt monsters.
Nothing against PlayStation but I really hope MH stays exclusive to Nintendo. They don't have much 3rd party support as is and this is about as big as an exclusive as they have.
MH Generations was a big step down from MH4U, but I'd be willing to give it another go on the Switch. Proper controls this time, and the game will look amazing on the Switch's vivid tablet screen (and the TV, for that matter).
This is exactly the sort of game I had in mind when I bought my portable battery. Just set up the tablet in tabletop mode, attach it to the battery, and I'm good for 5+ hours.
Never really got into MH. The last time I played it was on the psp
I knew no one (in real life) with a Wii U, so MH wasn't as much fun as it could have been. Now that I have Switch owning friends? Yes please. And it's portable MH in HD? Sign me up!
I may give this a go, control is bound to be better than the 3DS games as the Switch has proper control sticks (both the Joy-con and pro controller).
Truly, MH allows fans of both portables and home consoles to play as they want. Japan can keep playing in portable mode, which they love and adore, while the west can know take advantage of big TVs, which is a complaint I've seen fly around a lot.
I may give MH a try this time. While I liked the portable idea from the 3DS, the famous claw always put me off.
I can die happy now.
Monster Hunter on Switch. Yep. That'll do'er.
This is great news, though this game isn't going to get me to buy a Switch since I already played so much of Generations.
Monster Hunter is by far my most favorite Third party game and I am super excited it has been announced for the Switch. Day one import if there is an English option or hopefully a localized version is announced at E3.
HD Monster Hunter on the TV and on the go? Proper camera controls? No more straining your eyes to read text on a 240p screen? No more "the claw"?!
Yup, the Switch is absolutely perfect for Monster Hunter.
@Ralizah Mechanically it was a really nice upgrade, but I agree that everything else fell flat for me. They did a great job with the story in 4U and I loved the way it took me from town to town. Generations just threw all the towns at you at once and picking up all the new quests was a nightmare. I think it would have been better to simply have us go to each town one at a time in the order they appeared in the series. That said I will be picking this up for sure. I said in the past that I'd be passing on the second version unless the Switch version rumors were true and here we are!
lets hope it comes west & quickly not usual snail pace. play on the go then just dump it into the dock for big screen action. Loved Tri on the wii but the text was just a nightmare
Switch is natural choice for Monster Hunter games. Portability is the main factor of course. Sony and Microsoft don't have and probably won't have handhelds, so...
As for me, I'm in. Played 4U for something about 600 hours (that's sick, I know) and spent additional 200 in Generations. This series is my biggest discovery on 3DS. Second one was somewhat dissapointing - lack of G-Rank really hurted me - but it will be again in XX, so Switch entry should have enough content to please me.
It's kinda sad that I lost my save from Generations (cause I sold my copy), but I will gladly play again with different main weapons or something.
I love MH, I'm an OG from the first one on PS2 . When MH Tri came to the Wii I spent 700 hours once I finally put it down and moved on . That was an awesome summer hunting online , hopefully I can get that experience all over again . Oh does anyone know what happened to the Sony - Capcom relationship ? All of the PSP releases sold really good I wonder what happened ?
Toukiden 2 for me
@NintySnesMan Really? I tried that game for awhile and it just seemed like a poor man's MH. It was way too easy and the combat just felt clunky. Glad you like it though.
@MisterMan I've yet to find a MH clone that could live up to the quality of MH. They're all, inevitably, really forgettable. Which is too bad, because the Vita has a ton of hunting games not called Monster Hunter.
@NintySnesMan I like the way you think. I've already bought the game twice...what is a third time?
Now give us Frontier so we can all easily play it for once. xD
I tried to get into Monster Hunter Tri on wii, and just couldn't, but based on the community and how popular it is, I really want to enjoy the series. I will give this one a try.
They are a match made in Heaven. So hopefully Capcom has a totally new Monster Hunter game in development for the system too.
@Ralizah @DonSerrot Glad to know I wasn't the only one disappointed with Generations. I thought the campaign was horribly designed. It took ages before getting to any battles that were actually challenging and fun.
@RedMageLanakyn I'm wondering the same thing. From my experience with MH, it's a series that requires a lot of time and patience to learn the mechanics, but it also provides some really challenging, intense and entertaining battles once you get to the latter part of the game.
What I don't understand is why such an emphasis on tedious gathering missions early on in the game. That needs to be drastically reduced in my opinion cause it really ruined Generations for me.
I'm wondering if anyone here can comment on XX.
MH3U was in fact the reason why I got the Wii U, and foreshadowed a desire to play the same (big) game on the go and on the TV: I had bought Tri for Wii, but didn't get it. For an MH noob expecting some sort of RPG (the false expectations were not the fault of the game, mind you; I am aware of that) it was so different, and I didn't want to spend the time necessary to grasp it then. So I never really played that.
Then came the 3DS version and a demo with it. I played the demo. I still didn't get it, but I wanted to beat the Lagombi in the 20 minutes you got. I still had some pride left after all. I tried again, and failed again. I tried a third time and I noticed I was getting faster, better at aiming in the right direction, knew when to attack and when to dodge (somewhat), and finally beat it. That's when I suddenly understood the game, and why the controls are as clunky and sometimes unintuitive as they are (no target lock for example): They want to force you to evolve as a player, to make each victory a celebration of skill (not of XP).
120 hours game time later I thought "Man, it would be nice to play this not only on the go and in 3D, but also on the big screen", and I got a Wii U, specifically for that game, and for the possibility to continue the same save game on the go and at home and share it between systems. Of course the Wii U library only got larger after that, and it is still a beloved system, but I can't help but smile at the fact that today I have this experience I once bought an additional home console and second version of the game for (in addition to the 3DS and game I already owned) on my Switch every day with every title! Considering this I could never say that the asking price for the Switch and her games are too high...
I have played MH4 and Generations after that and will certainly look forward to any further title in the series, especially one that I can play both ways...
Capcom is trying its best to help grow the Switch user base, but until that user base matures, we will see ports and dual releases like MHXX for 3DS/Switch for a while.
I'm not complaining; I'm happy to get this for the Switch! We just need to be patient and have faith that more people are going to eventually buy (or be able to buy) Switch consoles, which in turn will convince companies to make games for the platform!
ANY FRANCHISE on the switch is a match made in heaven! Because all these handheld versions are watered down or less graphically enhanced versions of their home console counterparts. But with the Switch there are no compromises! No need to choose, or have a portable and a home console version which aren't very compatible with each other. I would have never picked up monster hunter on the 3ds because I have the old 3ds and it has no c-stick nor would I get it on wii u because I would be tied to the TV. But I might be willing to give it a try because I'm not tethered to a small screen or a large screen. Monster hunter really would benefit greatly from the switch. But not as much as Animal crossing. Hint Hint
I think put 600hrs in MH4U or MORE. In MHGen in at least 300hrs in that one.
Why must Capcom be so damn crazy with naming their titles?
Anyway. I'm excited. I got into Monster Hunter Tri pretty late on Wii. I think I put about 200 hours into it.
Hopefully it will playable for someone that never play a monster hunt game. Meaning that its not to difficult, and you need to play one or two mh to really understand the controls.
@oatmealwarrior92 I remember reading (but it could all be false) that there was a disagreement between Sony and the MH devs about online play in the west. I don't remember the specifics, but Nintendo was willing to meet their demands so they went with N. And I think Nintendo was hosting all the online services for the last two console releases, which kept us from having to pay subscription fees.
Wow, so glad I held off buying Generations for the 3DS. I only held off as I felt my measley 70 hours spent of MH4U had not really got me very far into the game yet. Given these sorts of games take months to get Westernised, I'm gonna hammer MH4U
@MisterMan
For me I prefer how Toukiden 2 plays, it's a far better game than the first one, which was a good but ultimately poor MH clone. Toukiden 2 changed the fighting style with the great demon claw, also it all went open world instead of the hub system, now you just wonder around hunting and fighting, this is a refreshing change for the series. The graphics could do with a boost as usual, but for once it's the first MH clone that stands on its own two feet and steps out of the shadow of MH, for that I give it praise. Games like soul sacrifice delta and God Eater are great clones but they are overshadowed by MH. MH is a great series but so is the Toukiden series especially the latest game, I prefer Toukiden but that doesn't mean it's better or worse than MH, it's just that i enjoy it more, also at the end of this month another Toukiden game comes to vita, it's a free to play game, as you could imagine would put a smile on most ppls faces, Koei Tecmo did the same recently with a Dynasty Warriors game, that's 2 free to play games from them recently, hopefully they will do more
@Ryu_Niiyama
At the end of this month there will be 4 Toukiden games on vita. Which ones did you buy
I have kiwami for vita and pc and 2 for ps4 and pc.@NintySnesMan
Well 1M Switch's sold becomes more possible with a game like this. If the future can contain MH5 too well... insert comment here.
You know what else is a match made in heaven? Pokemon and the Switch.
@oatmealwarrior92 Rumor has it that they wanted to bring over Portable 3rd HD on PS3 but SCEA actually blocked it due to a lack of trophies and PSN support.
They had Nintendo actually market the franchise in the West and then Sony basically spit on them when they tried to bring their next game over. Of course, 3U likely began development right after Tri, so the writing was probably on the wall much sooner.
This will probably be a simultaneous release date East and West. Makes no sense not too. I would love to see a remastered MH4 for the switch. That would be beyond awesome even with a bazillion hours on it I'd still buy that one.
It should have been a match made in heaven. But, alas, looks like MH World is not coming to the Switch anytime soon. Huge letdown.
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