Wild Hearts S on Nintendo Switch 2 feels like bringing the original game into a more compact arena – but with a few trade‑offs. This port preserves the core thrill of the Kemono hunts and inventive Karakuri mechanics, yet the squeeze onto Switch 2 reveals some cracks in the glass – even if it’s still a blast to play most of the time.
You arrive in Azuma, an exquisitely rendered feudal-Japan‑inspired setting that brims with scenic wonder and colossal monster encounters. Manga-like beast designs – charged by lava, storm, or miasma – continue to impress, providing a visceral motif as you build traps and weapons from their remains. The game’s Karakuri system remains its standout feature: a fast-deploy building mechanic that lets you conjure springboards, shields, ziplines, or tactical contraptions anywhere in the environment. This creativity sets it apart from traditional hunting titles (like Monster Hunter) and drives much of its joy and appeal.
Combat retains its satisfying blade flows and brutal combo potential. Weapon variety – everything from bows and claws to a katana – offers surprising depth once you unlock their skill trees and master their timing. Using the parasitic “kemono vs. human” gauge in gear builds adds nuanced customization that rewards planning.
Yet the visuals on Switch 2 stumble over expectations. Where the original console and PC versions had performance quirks of their own, this handheld-enabled port shows more: frame rate dips in more detailed environments, noticeable texture pop-in, and a grainy visual polish underwhelms given the Switch 2 increased capabilities. Technical inconsistencies feel not just inherited but somewhat amplified as a result.
Despite the visual stumble, gameplay feels brisk enough in most hunts, especially handheld, where the smaller screen seems to mask some of the graphical compromises. For hunters craving portable Monster Hunter-style gameplay, it’s a credible offering – with caveats. The new four-player multiplayer helps balance cooperative play, but the lack of crossplay means the community can feel fragmented across consoles.
The lack of fresh content is also notable: Wild Hearts S delivers no new monsters, no expanded zones – just the original title’s updates packed with four-player support. That’s fine if you’re new, but for returning hunters familiar with the game on PS5 or PC, the incentive is limited.
Audio-wise, the exuberant orchestral score and responsive sound cues still work magic in tense fights. Kemono roars and Karakuri activation trump any handheld shortcomings, bringing immersion when technical flaws tug at you, and it sounds great when you’re on the move with headphones.
At its core, Wild Hearts S is still a great hunting game. Its ambition shines in the Karakuri invention system, weapon build strategy, beast variety, and unique Japanese mythos that differentiate it from Capcom’s offerings. The Switch 2 edition brings mobility to all that – but at a visual cost and without cross-platform community support.
Wild Hearts S’ inventive combat and crafting systems remain fresh and exhilarating on the Switch 2, particularly for newcomers or handheld hunters. Yet newcomers who’ve already roamed Azuma on alternate platforms may find little new here beyond portability. With choppy optimization and no crossplay, the experience feels rough around the edges at times – but the core hunt still bites hard enough.
If you’re picking it up on the Switch 2 for the first time – especially with friends – it’s a solid welcome to a worthy hunting adventure. But consider waiting for a sale or some updates if you already own it elsewhere or care about crisp visuals and stable framerate.
Score: 7.9/10
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