Monster Hunter Stories 3's latest trailer has stirred up significant discussion across gaming communities, especially in relation to Pokemon. The new trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 3 showcases vibrant, charming visuals that, while not top-tier, have reminded fans of the potential for colorful, well-executed graphics on the Switch. This has led to comparisons with the troubled graphics of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which suffered from performance issues, as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which, while ambitious, fell short in the visual department.
With Pokemon Gen 10, titled Pokemon Wind and Wave based on leaks, on the horizon, the pressure is on Game Freak to deliver a more polished visual experience. If Gen 10's graphics are underwhelming, it will inevitably draw direct comparisons to games like Monster Hunter Stories 3, which has set a relatively modest but effective standard for what a Switch game can look like. The question on many fans' minds is whether Game Freak can step up its game or if it will continue to fall short in this department.
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Why Monster Hunter Stories 3 Sparks Problematic Comparisons With Pokemon
Monster Hunter Stories 3 doesn't push the boundaries of graphical fidelity, but it gets the job done with a solid, stylized aesthetic. The environments are detailed and colorful, the characters are expressive, and the world feels alive without overloading the hardware. There's a distinct sense of polish, even if the game isn't visually groundbreaking.
In stark contrast, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's launch was marred by numerous performance issues that led to fan frustration. Texture pop-ins, low frame rates, and general visual instability marred what was otherwise an exciting step forward in the Pokemon series. The underwhelming visuals, combined with the technical flaws, led to widespread disappointment among fans, many of whom expected a more polished experience.
Then there's Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which presented an open-world approach that had its merits but still fell short in the graphics department. The game's environments felt sparse, and its visuals often looked outdated compared to other open-world titles on the Switch. While Legends: Arceus was a bold experiment, it didn't satisfy players hoping for a visually captivating experience.
It's worth noting that Monster Hunter Wilds was review-bombed for performance issues, so Pokemon could turn the tables, too.
Pokemon Gen 10 Needs to Break a Longtime Pattern
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With Pokemon Gen 10, the rumored Pokemon Wind and Wave, set to release in the near future, Game Freak is facing significant pressure to deliver on the visual front. Monster Hunter Stories 3 has set a standard for how a well-executed visual style can elevate the player experience, even if it's not the most technically advanced game. The Switch is a less powerful console than its contemporaries, but that doesn't mean developers can't create something beautiful within its limits.
If Gen 10's graphics are once again underwhelming, it will be hard to ignore the comparisons with Monster Hunter Stories 3. After all, Capcom's title has proven that visually appealing games can exist on the Switch, even if they aren't graphically intense. Some fans may argue that, if March 2026's Monster Hunter Stories 3 can look like this, Pokemon Wind and Pokemon Wave should too.
However, if Pokemon Gen 10's new environments and mechanics deliver a polished visual experience, some may argue that Game Freak was capable of this all along but held back. This could fuel frustration about the perceived lack of effort in previous entries, especially given Pokemon's massive sales and the resources at Game Freak's disposal.
Other comparisons are being drawn to Pokemon with Game Freak's new game, Beast of Reincarnation.
Pokemon Graphics Issues in Recent Years Explained
The Pokemon series has had its fair share of graphical struggles, particularly with Gen 9 and Legends: Arceus. Here's a breakdown of some of the most commonly reported issues that have plagued the series in recent years:
- Frame Rate Drops: Both Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Arceus were criticized for inconsistent frame rates, especially in open-world areas. Players frequently reported stuttering during exploration and battles.
- Texture Pop-ins: A common issue in Scarlet and Violet was the visible texture pop-ins, where assets would load in slowly as players moved through the world, disrupting immersion.
- Low-Resolution Models: Many of the 3D models for characters and environments in Scarlet and Violet appeared to be lower resolution than what players expected, especially in comparison to other games on the Switch.
- Sparse Environments: Legends: Arceus's open world, while ambitious, often felt empty and lacked the lush detail seen in other titles. The world could feel unpolished, with flat textures and minimal environmental interaction. In particular, the water texture was criticized.
- Limited Animation: Certain Pokemon animations, particularly in battles, felt stiff and repetitive. Compared to other turn-based RPGs, Pokemon's animations seemed outdated and lacked the fluidity many fans desired.
The reality is, Pokemon fans don't expect Gen 10 to feature hyperrealistic graphics or to push the limits of console hardware. However, after the performance issues of Scarlet and Violet and the visual shortcomings of Legends: Arceus, there is a growing expectation for something more polished. Game Freak needs to prove it can deliver a stable, consistent visual experience, even on the Switch's limited hardware.
The Monster Hunter Stories 3 trailer has raised the bar for what a colorful, engaging game can look like on the Nintendo Switch, putting added pressure on Pokemon Gen 10 to meet these expectations. If Pokemon Wind and Pokemon Wave can hit a solid visual baseline with a stable frame rate, appealing character models, and vibrant environments, they will help restore player faith in Game Freak's ability to produce visually satisfying games. If the graphics fall short again, the comparisons to Monster Hunter Stories 3 will be hard to avoid.
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