Monster Hunter Wilds could be making its way to Nintendo Switch 2 after all. Dataminers digging through the game’s latest Title Update 4 patch discovered code references that strongly suggest a Switch 2 version is currently in development at Capcom. This comes as a surprise given the company’s previous statements about the game pushing hardware to its limits.
The Datamine Discovery
Reddit user STRCoolerSimp uncovered the evidence while examining code from Monster Hunter Wilds version 1.040, which rolled out in mid-December 2024. Among various discoveries related to upcoming content like the Tempered Gogmazios monster, one particular reference caught everyone’s attention: “nsw2UpgradeEdition.”
The code also includes another line reading “NSW2.user,” leaving little room for interpretation about what the abbreviation stands for. Nintendo Switch 2 seems to be the only logical explanation. This marks the first concrete evidence that Capcom is actively working on bringing their latest Monster Hunter installment to Nintendo’s upcoming platform.
The discovery gained traction quickly across gaming communities, with multiple outlets reporting on the find. What makes this particularly interesting is that Capcom has remained completely silent about any Switch 2 version despite investor pressure and repeated questions from shareholders.
Why Capcom Said No To Switch
Monster Hunter Wilds launched on February 28, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This marked a departure from Monster Hunter Rise, which debuted as a Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2021 before eventually coming to other platforms.
During a shareholder Q&A session back in July 2024, investors directly asked why Monster Hunter Wilds wasn’t announced for Nintendo Switch. One shareholder even questioned whether the game would be “limited to these non-portable consoles.” Capcom’s response was clear and definitive: the game is “utilizing the latest technology to its limit.”
The implication was obvious. The original Switch, with its 2017 mobile chipset and limited processing power, simply couldn’t handle what Capcom was building. The company wanted to push graphical boundaries, create seamless open worlds with dynamic weather systems, and pack environments with multiple large monsters simultaneously.
The Performance Problem Nobody Expected
Here’s where things get ironic. Monster Hunter Wilds launched with significant performance issues across all platforms, but PC players got hit the hardest. The game struggled so badly that it currently sits with a “Mixed” rating on Steam, a shocking outcome for a franchise as beloved as Monster Hunter.
Even on PlayStation 5 with its dedicated performance mode and visual compromises, the game struggles to maintain a solid 60fps. Xbox Series S players have reported particularly rough experiences, with frequent frame drops and stuttering during intense combat encounters. These are the current-gen consoles that Capcom specifically optimized for, yet they’re still having trouble.
Capcom has acknowledged the problems and rolled out multiple patches attempting to address performance concerns. Title Update 4, the same patch where the Switch 2 references were discovered, included CPU and GPU optimizations, shader compilation fixes, and support for DLSS4 and FSR4 upscaling technologies. Yet community feedback suggests the improvements remain modest at best.
| Platform | Target Performance | Actual Experience |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | 60fps performance mode | Inconsistent, frequent drops |
| Xbox Series X | 60fps performance mode | Variable performance |
| Xbox Series S | 30-60fps | Significant struggles |
| PC (High-end) | 60+ fps at high settings | Optimization issues, CPU bottlenecks |
| PC (Mid-range) | Stable 60fps medium settings | Inconsistent, texture loading problems |
Can Switch 2 Actually Handle It
This is the million-dollar question. If Monster Hunter Wilds struggles on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, what chance does Nintendo’s handheld console have? The answer depends entirely on what compromises Capcom is willing to make and how powerful the Switch 2 actually is.
Nintendo hasn’t officially revealed Switch 2 specifications yet, but widespread leaks and reports suggest it will feature an NVIDIA Tegra chip with significantly more power than the original Switch. Estimates place it somewhere between PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox Series S in terms of raw capability when docked, with considerably less power in portable mode.
Some community members point to the game’s performance on Steam Deck as evidence that a Switch 2 port is feasible. Valve’s handheld can run Monster Hunter Wilds at reduced settings, maintaining 30-40fps in most scenarios. If Switch 2 matches or exceeds Steam Deck’s capabilities, a functional port becomes theoretically possible.
However, there’s another route Capcom could take. Monster Hunter Rise was built specifically for Switch from the ground up, then enhanced when ported to more powerful hardware. Capcom could rebuild Monster Hunter Wilds using the RE Engine’s scalability features, creating a version tailored to Switch 2’s unique architecture rather than simply downscaling the PC version.
The Nintendo Factor
Monster Hunter has historically performed exceptionally well on Nintendo platforms. Monster Hunter Rise sold over 13 million copies, with a significant portion coming from Switch players. The franchise has deep roots with Nintendo’s audience, dating back to Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on 3DS and Wii U.
Nintendo likely wants Monster Hunter Wilds as a Switch 2 launch title or launch window release. The console is rumored to launch in March 2025, and having a major third-party franchise like Monster Hunter would give the system tremendous momentum. Capcom and Nintendo have collaborated extensively over the years, and both companies benefit from this relationship.
Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto recently attributed Monster Hunter Wilds’ slower-than-expected sales in Japan to the PlayStation 5’s high price point. He specifically praised Switch 2’s success in Japan, a country that traditionally embraces handheld gaming. This suggests Capcom sees real value in bringing Wilds to Nintendo’s ecosystem.
What The Upgrade Edition Could Mean
The datamined reference specifically mentions “nsw2UpgradeEdition” rather than just a standard port. This terminology raises interesting questions about what Capcom might be planning. One possibility is that existing Monster Hunter Wilds owners could upgrade to the Switch 2 version for a fee, similar to how some games handled PS4 to PS5 transitions.
Another interpretation is that the Switch 2 version will include bonus content not available in the base versions on other platforms. Capcom could bundle all released DLC, include exclusive Nintendo-themed cosmetics, or add Switch-specific features that take advantage of the console’s unique capabilities.
The term “upgrade” could also simply refer to it being an enhanced version compared to what would have been possible on the original Switch. Marketing it as an upgrade edition emphasizes that this is a current-gen experience, not a compromised last-gen port.
The Timeline Question
If a Switch 2 version is real, when might we actually see it? Capcom has a packed roadmap for Monster Hunter Wilds through early 2026, with Title Updates adding new monsters, weapons, and endgame content. The development team is simultaneously working on performance optimizations and stability improvements across all platforms.
A realistic estimate would place a Switch 2 release in late 2025 at the earliest, possibly extending into early 2026. Capcom would want to ensure the game runs acceptably before launching on yet another platform. Releasing a poorly optimized Switch 2 version after the PC launch backlash would be a public relations disaster.
However, if Nintendo is pushing hard for Monster Hunter Wilds as a system seller, they might provide additional development resources or technical support to expedite the port. Nintendo has done this before with key third-party titles they consider essential to a console’s success.
FAQs
Has Capcom officially confirmed Monster Hunter Wilds for Switch 2?
No, Capcom has not made any official announcement about a Switch 2 version of Monster Hunter Wilds. The evidence comes entirely from code discovered in a datamine of Title Update 4. Companies typically don’t comment on datamined information, so official confirmation likely won’t come until Capcom is ready to formally reveal the port.
What platforms is Monster Hunter Wilds currently available on?
Monster Hunter Wilds launched on February 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC via Steam. It is not available on previous-generation consoles like PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, and there is no current-generation Nintendo Switch version.
Will Monster Hunter Wilds run well on Switch 2?
That remains uncertain. Monster Hunter Wilds has experienced significant performance issues on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC since launch. While Capcom continues releasing optimization patches, concerns exist about whether Switch 2’s less powerful hardware can deliver an acceptable experience. Much depends on how extensively Capcom optimizes the port and what graphical compromises they make.
Could the Switch 2 version be built differently than other versions?
Yes, this is possible. Monster Hunter Rise was developed specifically for the original Switch before being enhanced for other platforms. Capcom could take a similar approach with Wilds, rebuilding aspects of the game to better suit Switch 2’s architecture rather than simply downscaling the existing PC version.
When might a Switch 2 version release?
There’s no official release window, but based on Capcom’s current roadmap and the game’s ongoing performance issues, a Switch 2 version likely wouldn’t arrive until late 2025 at the earliest, possibly extending into early 2026. Capcom would need sufficient time to optimize the port and ensure it runs acceptably.
What does the UpgradeEdition reference mean?
The datamined code references “nsw2UpgradeEdition,” which could mean several things. It might indicate that existing owners could upgrade to the Switch 2 version for a fee, or it could suggest the Switch 2 version will include bonus content and DLC not available at launch on other platforms. The terminology might also simply emphasize that this is an enhanced current-gen experience.
Does Monster Hunter Wilds support crossplay?
Yes, Monster Hunter Wilds supports crossplay between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This was a series first and allows players on different platforms to hunt together. However, the game does not support cross-save, meaning progress and DLC purchases remain platform-specific. If a Switch 2 version releases, crossplay would likely extend to that platform as well.
Why didn’t Monster Hunter Wilds come to the original Switch?
Capcom stated that Monster Hunter Wilds is “utilizing the latest technology to its limit,” meaning the original Switch’s 2017 mobile hardware couldn’t handle the game’s technical demands. The game features seamless open worlds, dynamic weather systems, multiple large monsters on screen simultaneously, and advanced graphical features that require current-gen console power.
Conclusion
The datamined evidence strongly suggests Monster Hunter Wilds is heading to Switch 2, but significant questions remain about timing, performance, and what form that port will take. Capcom finds itself in an interesting position – the game they said was too demanding for Nintendo hardware might still come to Nintendo’s next console, but only after months of optimization work necessitated by launch performance issues on supposedly more powerful platforms. If Capcom can solve the performance problems plaguing current versions and successfully scale the experience to Switch 2’s capabilities, they’ll tap into a massive Nintendo audience hungry for Monster Hunter content. However, if they rush out an underperforming port just to have Switch 2 presence, they risk damaging both the game’s reputation and player trust. The coming months will reveal whether this leaked Switch 2 version becomes reality and whether it can deliver the experience Monster Hunter fans deserve.