Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Capcom has officially unveiled Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection during Nintendo’s latest Partner Showcase, confirming the return of the beloved RPG sub-series to the Monster Hunter franchise.

This much-anticipated third entry is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering fans a fresh narrative and new gameplay experiences on Nintendo’s next-generation console. The announcement debuted with a reveal trailer featuring a group of hunters who stumble upon a mysterious, crystal-encased monster egg.

As the cinematic unfolds, viewers learn that the protagonist is the only Rathalos rider residing in the kingdom of Azuria—a setting where two kingdoms are currently embroiled in war.

The trailer further teases that the population faces a menace identified as “the Encroachment.” In a dramatic conclusion, two baby Rathalos, the iconic dragon-like monsters well-known to Monster Hunter enthusiasts, are shown hatching from eggs reminiscent of the one first discovered. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection not only builds upon the narrative and mechanics of its acclaimed predecessors, but also leverages the advanced capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.

The franchise’s second entry, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, saw strong critical reception upon its 2021 release on both Nintendo Switch and PC, having shipped over 1.96 million units worldwide as of 2023, according to Capcom’s official sales data. During the presentation, no logos or mention of platforms beyond the Nintendo Switch 2 appeared on screen, leaving open questions about possible timed exclusivity.

Given that Monster Hunter Stories 2 launched across multiple platforms, there may be precedent for a future multiplatform release, though Capcom has yet to confirm such details. The Monster Hunter Stories spin-off series is celebrated for blending traditional Monster Hunter monster collection with a turn-based RPG format, attracting a broader audience alongside the mainline series’ action gameplay.

Capcom’s partnership with Nintendo has yielded significant success in recent years, as the Monster Hunter franchise continues to be a flagship property for both companies. With Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection set to expand the storied relationship between Capcom and Nintendo, fans eagerly await further information on gameplay details, release dates, and potential additional platforms.

For now, players can look forward to a new adventure on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, as the Monster Hunter saga writes its next chapter.

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