Capcom has announced that it will release an early-game demo for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of *Monster Hunter Wilds* starting October 20.
Playable content ranges from character creation to the early story
In the early-game demo, you can experience character creation and the opening story. Since save data can be carried over to the full game, it’s a good idea to prepare by playing the demo so you can hit the ground running on the release date, December 4.
Additionally, the demo supports local multiplayer. If you bring two Switch consoles together, you’ll be able to relive the nostalgia of hunting alongside friends.
Once the demo becomes available, you’ll be able to download it from the product page on the Nintendo Store. Although this early-game demo was described as “scheduled for release prior to launch” when the release date was announced in September, the release date has now been officially confirmed.
How does it run on the Switch 2?
Game*Spark got an early hands-on with the Switch 2 version in time for the Tokyo Game Show 2026. Although the demo covered only a very short section—from the opening cutscene to mounting a Secret and lightly swinging a weapon—the reporter reported no noticeable stuttering during the playthrough.
The options include “Performance Settings (Quality Priority / Frame Rate Priority),” which lets you choose whether to prioritize graphics quality or frame rate in TV mode, as well as a frame rate lock setting that lets you toggle between “Locked at 30fps” and “OFF.” It is reported that “Locked at 30fps” was selected by default.
*Monster Hunter Wilds* is currently available for PC (Steam), PS5, and XBOX Series X|S.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version, which includes cross-play and all previous updates, is scheduled for release on December 4, 2026.Pricing is as follows: the standard digital edition is 4,990 yen (3,742 yen as a special early-purchase price until January 7, 2027), the Gold Edition is 7,990 yen, and the Deluxe Edition (physical key card) is 4,990 yen.
Additionally, the massive expansion “Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance” is also scheduled for release on the Switch 2 in 2027.
