Key Takeaways
1. Performance Issues: PC players face significant performance glitches, leading to frustration, while console gamers show a lack of enthusiasm.
2. Sales Struggles in Japan: The game is struggling in Japan, with second-hand stores selling copies for as low as 18 JPY (about 11 cents).
3. Potential Switch 2 Port: There are rumors about a possible port for the Switch 2, which could attract more players in Japan, especially following the success of Monster Hunter Rise on the platform.
4. Stable U.S. Pricing: In the U.S., the game’s price remains more stable, with discounts available, such as a recent Amazon promotion for $25.
5. Mixed Player Feedback: Japanese gamers are dissatisfied with the new open-world design, simplified combat, and reduced difficulty, raising concerns that a Switch 2 port might not address these issues.
Despite a large number of players joining in on the launch day of Monster Hunter Wilds, the game has faced many challenges since then. PC players have been particularly frustrated with performance glitches, while console gamers have also shown a lack of enthusiasm. In fact, in Japan, the interest is so low that a second-hand store has listed it for just 18 JPY, which is about 11 cents.
Sales Struggles in Japan
Automaton has reported that Kaitori World is willing to buy the PS5 version for a surprisingly small price. The action RPG’s issues in Japan are well known, and Capcom’s President, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, has shared his thoughts. Instead of blaming the low frame rates, he pointed to the expensive price of Sony’s console as a reason for the underwhelming sales.
Potential for a Switch 2 Port
There is a rumor about a potential port of Monster Hunter Wilds for the Switch 2, which could help attract more players in Japan. Nintendo has introduced a less expensive, region-locked version of the handheld, aimed at mobile users. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Rise, which was made for the Switch, achieved record sales in Capcom’s home country.
A Reddit user shared on The Gamer an advertisement showcasing a used copy being sold for just $3 in Japan. Fans around the world are also coming across low prices. For instance, an Australian found a brand-new copy priced at $19 AUD, which translates to roughly $13 USD after conversion.
Pricing Trends in the U.S.
In the United States, the price of Monster Hunter Wilds is more stable. According to SteamDB, it has hit an all-time low of $38, although physical versions on consoles tend to be cheaper. Recently, Amazon ran a promotion for the Capcom game at $25, which included both PS5 and Xbox versions.
The December Title Update 4 has enhanced PC performance, leading to a brief spike in player numbers on Steam. Yet, its popularity has since diminished, with recent reviews leaning towards Mixed. Many players have reported issues with stuttering, although seasoned fans of the series are not keen on some of the other changes.
Player Feedback
Especially in Japan, gamers are not convinced that the new open-world design is beneficial. They have also expressed disappointment with the straightforward combat and the reduced difficulty that hunts usually provide. These are concerns that a potential Switch 2 port may not resolve without significant changes to the gameplay.
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