X
If you once gave up on Wild Hearts but now own a Switch 2, Wild Hearts S might be worth a try. With significantly improved optimization, a new 4-player co-op mode, and still-solid hunting gameplay, it's a decent way for co-op fans to get through a content drought.
Aug 5, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
Even though it may not be as polished as Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts S is an amazing game that tests the true potential of the Nintendo Switch 2. With beautiful, realistic graphics and a more action-oriented approach than Capcom’s counterpart, it offers technical combat, addictive gameplay, and rewarding exploration and progression. Not to mention the incredible online multiplayer mode: easy to jump into and packed with opportunities for fun. Wild Hearts S is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner.
Aug 5, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
The issues with Wild Hearts S are minor enough that I’ve been more than willing to put up with them to enjoy the greater context. This is an excellent take on the Monster Hunter formula with stunning production values, an excellent and challenging range of monsters to track down, and, ultimately, a satisfying world to inhabit. It’s just incredible to now also have it in a portable format.
Aug 4, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
Unplayable and Ugly – A Massive Disappointment
Wild Hearts S on the Switch 2 is a disaster. The game comes as a game key card, not a full cartridge – already a red flag. Visually, it's shockingly bad; think Hogwarts Legacy on the original Switch levels of ugly. Blurry textures, flat lighting, and muddy environments ruin any immersion.
Worse are the constant frame drops and ridiculous loading times, making combat frustrating and exploration a chore. This feels like a lazy, half-baked port rushed to market. Even the menus stutter. Don't waste your money. If you're expecting a next-gen Monster Hunter. alternative, look elsewhere.
Aug 1, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
It’s a very nice monster hunting game. Yes, there are some downsides but in terms of complexity and overall fun, the gamingexperience is amazing.
I’ve the feeling that it gets hated by monster hunter fans, just because it copies it.
But for the moment, it’s the best monster hunting game that runs on switch 2
Jul 26, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
Wild Hearts S
Released On: Jul 25, 2025
75
7.1
If you once gave up on Wild Hearts but now own a Switch 2, Wild Hearts S might be worth a try. With significantly improved optimization, a new 4-player co-op mode, and still-solid hunting gameplay, it's a decent way for co-op fans to get through a content drought.
Aug 5, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
Even though it may not be as polished as Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts S is an amazing game that tests the true potential of the Nintendo Switch 2. With beautiful, realistic graphics and a more action-oriented approach than Capcom’s counterpart, it offers technical combat, addictive gameplay, and rewarding exploration and progression. Not to mention the incredible online multiplayer mode: easy to jump into and packed with opportunities for fun. Wild Hearts S is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner.
Aug 5, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
The issues with Wild Hearts S are minor enough that I’ve been more than willing to put up with them to enjoy the greater context. This is an excellent take on the Monster Hunter formula with stunning production values, an excellent and challenging range of monsters to track down, and, ultimately, a satisfying world to inhabit. It’s just incredible to now also have it in a portable format.
Aug 4, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
Unplayable and Ugly – A Massive Disappointment
Wild Hearts S on the Switch 2 is a disaster. The game comes as a game key card, not a full cartridge – already a red flag. Visually, it's shockingly bad; think Hogwarts Legacy on the original Switch levels of ugly. Blurry textures, flat lighting, and muddy environments ruin any immersion.
Worse are the constant frame drops and ridiculous loading times, making combat frustrating and exploration a chore. This feels like a lazy, half-baked port rushed to market. Even the menus stutter. Don't waste your money. If you're expecting a next-gen Monster Hunter. alternative, look elsewhere.
Aug 1, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
It’s a very nice monster hunting game. Yes, there are some downsides but in terms of complexity and overall fun, the gamingexperience is amazing.
I’ve the feeling that it gets hated by monster hunter fans, just because it copies it.
But for the moment, it’s the best monster hunting game that runs on switch 2
Jul 26, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
All Platforms
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
75
59% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
41% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
75
59% Positive
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
41% Mixed
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Even though it may not be as polished as Monster Hunter, Wild Hearts S is an amazing game that tests the true potential of the Nintendo Switch 2. With beautiful, realistic graphics and a more action-oriented approach than Capcom’s counterpart, it offers technical combat, addictive gameplay, and rewarding exploration and progression. Not to mention the incredible online multiplayer mode: easy to jump into and packed with opportunities for fun. Wild Hearts S is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch 2 owner.
The issues with Wild Hearts S are minor enough that I’ve been more than willing to put up with them to enjoy the greater context. This is an excellent take on the Monster Hunter formula with stunning production values, an excellent and challenging range of monsters to track down, and, ultimately, a satisfying world to inhabit. It’s just incredible to now also have it in a portable format.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 13 User Ratings
7.1
62% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
15% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
23% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 13 User Ratings
7.1
62% Positive
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
15% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
23% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
It’s a very nice monster hunting game. Yes, there are some downsides but in terms of complexity and overall fun, the gamingexperience is amazing.
I’ve the feeling that it gets hated by monster hunter fans, just because it copies it.
But for the moment, it’s the best monster hunting game that runs on switch 2
Report
Nintendo Switch 2
Unplayable and Ugly – A Massive Disappointment
Wild Hearts S on the Switch 2 is a disaster. The game comes as a game key card, not a full cartridge – already a red flag. Visually, it's shockingly bad; think Hogwarts Legacy on the original Switch levels of ugly. Blurry textures, flat lighting, and muddy environments ruin any immersion.
Worse are the constant frame drops and ridiculous loading times, making combat frustrating and exploration a chore. This feels like a lazy, half-baked port rushed to market. Even the menus stutter. Don't waste your money. If you're expecting a next-gen Monster Hunter. alternative, look elsewhere.
Report
Nintendo Switch 2
Wild Hearts S is the Switch 2 version of the original and is a solid monster-hunting game with a strong identity, thanks to its Karakuri building system. But a shaky camera, finicky combat, and a paper-thin story weigh it down. As a port, it brings little new to the table—so unless you’re a first-time player or a handheld-focused hunter, it’s hard to recommend a second purchase.
A Monster Hunter "clone" that stands firmly on its own legs, Wild Hearts S delivers a challenging, engaging, and content-rich experience that should appeal to fans of the genre looking for an alternative. Nothing was lost in the transition to Switch 2; if anything, the expanded lobbies are a welcome upgrade, and the technical performance holds up well. It's not all smooth sailing, but as a “first attempt”, Omega Force shows real promise. Let’s just hope Koei Tecmo stays on board, because there’s plenty of potential here for a great series; it just needs a bit more polish.
Since Wild Hearts S has a demo, I recommend downloading it not only to see if you’re ok with the performance, but also because save data carries over. There is no downside to playing it. If you finished that and are wondering how the full game is, I still think Wild Hearts itself is excellent. Wild Hearts S brings all of what I loved from the original together in a lower-priced package for a new platform with improved online play, but it is held back by performance and visual issues that bothered me more when playing in handheld mode. I just wish it had an optional frame rate cap for a more consistent experience for those who want that. Hopefully, it gets some post-launch optimization updates, and that this isn’t the last we see of the IP.
Wild Hearts S is not the best place to play Wild Hearts. The less powerful hardware struggles at points to do the large, fantastical setting justice, and it’s disappointing to find the performance is inconsistent in a port of an older title. However, this is an old-school hunting title, whose core mechanics hold up extremely well in a post-Wilds world.
While Wild Hearts has a compelling visual style, aesthetic, and gameplay concepts, the actual execution of those concepts can be frustrating and make for a mediocre title. Further, the Wild Hearts S port for Nintendo Switch 2, despite its impressive visual quality, features numerous glitches and performance/quality problems that make it a hard game to justify, regardless of if you're a fan or newcomer.
Honestly, Wild Hearts S does nothing to improve upon the original game, and you should stick with Toukiden instead. Read my original Wild Hearts review, and knock a point down for weaker performance.
Report
Nintendo Switch 2
Game Stats for Wild Hearts
PlayStation 5
Difficulty
Play Time
Completion
Summary In the fantasy hunting title, WILD HEARTS S, players master ancient tech to hunt down giant beasts inside an imaginative world inspired by feudal Japan! Hunt in a pack of up to four players in seamless co-op or play as a lone wolf as you fight fearsome beasts infused with the ferocious power of nature itself. Craft your hunting grounds a...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch 2
Initial Release Date: Jul 25, 2025
Developer:
Publisher:
Koei Tecmo Games
Genres:
