Capcom’s acclaimed action RPG Monster Hunter Wilds may be headed to Nintendo Switch 2, if a fresh data mine is any indication. As gamers might expect, the title puts players in the shoes of a titular monster hunter as they explore, harvest, craft, and, of course, hunt. Now, Switch 2 players might have a chance to get in on the adventure.

Monster Hunter Wilds made record-breaking sales in 2025, attracting massive interest from both longtime fans and new players with its open-world design and action gameplay. While performance has been a point of intense discussion across platforms, its strong sales and high engagement make a Switch 2 port a logical next step, especially considering the Monster Hunter series’ deep history with Nintendo hardware.

monster hunter jin dahaad and hunter armor
Monster Hunter Wilds Is Finally Addressing Its Biggest Issue

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Dataminers Report Switch 2 File References

While Capcom hasn’t officially confirmed a release, dataminers reportedly uncovered multiple references to a Switch 2 version buried in the game’s files, sparking excitement and heated discussion online about what this could mean for hunters everywhere. The rumor picked up steam after data files examined from Monster Hunter Wilds’ massive Title Update 4 allegedly contained code snippets and identifiers linked specifically to “NSW2,” the shorthand for Nintendo Switch 2. According to the discoveries, these references suggest a version tailored for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware might be in development, even though Capcom hasn’t publicly indicated anything yet.

Drag weapons to fill the grid
Drag weapons to fill the grid
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Community dataminers dug up strings pointing toward a potential “NSW2 Upgrade Edition," a naming scheme that mirrors past Switch 2 ports and remasters. There are also mentions of performance presets for both docked and handheld modes, hinting at options to scale graphics and performance on the system, which is especially notable given how demanding Wilds is compared to most Monster Hunter entries. Additional code datamined references a “Tutorial image for Local Communication” which could indicate local multiplayer as an option for the title. That could help it stand out, like with the multiplayer in Monster Hunter Rise.

The cafe in Monster Hunter Wilds (2018)

Despite the tantalizing leaks, it’s worth stressing that this is still rumor territory. Capcom has not confirmed anything regarding a Switch 2 version, and past data references have occasionally pointed to abandoned or internal tools that never materialize into a final product. As always, it’s best to wait for a direct confirmation. Even as discussions swirl across social media and datamining subreddits about the legitimacy of the potential port, fans are weighing what such a release could mean for both the game and the platform. Some hunters are thrilled at the possibility of taking their adventures on the go with the Switch 2’s improved hardware, while others are cautious, noting that Wilds’ technical demands could pose challenges for optimal performance without careful optimization. Some fans even think the issues are related to Monster Hunter Wilds DLC.

Nintendo platforms have long been a home for the Monster Hunter franchise, from the massive success of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate on 3DS to Monster Hunter Rise on the original Switch. The Switch 2 has been steadily building its library with both first-party exclusives and major third-party support since its launch, and the potential addition of Monster Hunter Wilds would mark a major win for the platform in 2026. Whether Capcom officially announces the port at an upcoming Nintendo Direct or even at all remains to be seen, but for now, the datamine has given hunters plenty to talk about.

Monster Hunter Wilds Tag Page Cover Art
Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
Released
February 28, 2025
ESRB
T For Teen // Violence, Blood, Crude Humor
Developer(s)
Capcom
Publisher(s)
Capcom
Monster Hunter Wilds Press Image 1

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

Genre(s)
Action, Adventure

Source: Reddit