Monster Hunter 4’s Nintendo 3DS Exclusivity: Shuhei Yoshida Reflects on Industry Shockwave

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida has revisited one of the most significant moments in modern gaming history: Capcom’s decision to launch Monster Hunter 4 exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS.

In a recent interview with MinnMax, Yoshida shared his perspective on what he called the 'scariest moment' of his extensive career at Sony, shedding light on the fierce competition between the PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. Monster Hunter, a franchise developed by Capcom, had enjoyed remarkable success on Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP), becoming synonymous with handheld multiplayer action throughout the late 2000s.

However, the announcement in 2011 that Monster Hunter 4 would be an exclusive title for the Nintendo 3DS marked a seismic shift in the franchise’s trajectory and in the competitive landscape of handheld gaming. Yoshida recounted that the announcement of both the Nintendo 3DS hardware and the exclusive release of Monster Hunter 4 was a startling experience for Sony.

He noted, 'The single biggest shock I witnessed from our competitors was not just the unveiling of the 3DS itself, but particularly when Nintendo revealed Monster Hunter 4 would only be available on their new handheld.

To add to the surprise, Nintendo dropped the 3DS price by $100, placing it at the same $250 mark as the PlayStation Vita after launch.

For us at Sony, seeing a flagship PSP title become exclusive to Nintendo was truly the biggest shock.' Monster Hunter 4 launched in Japan for the Nintendo 3DS on September 14, 2013, and continued the franchise’s strong momentum, moving millions of units and solidifying Nintendo’s foothold in the handheld market.

The series eventually returned to PlayStation platforms with the highly successful release of Monster Hunter World in 2018, which became Capcom’s best-selling game, shipping over 18 million units worldwide as of 2024. Looking forward, anticipation is high for Monster Hunter Wilds, set to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC later this month.

While details about a potential release on Nintendo’s next-generation hardware—often dubbed the Switch 2—remain unconfirmed, the partnership between Nintendo and Capcom during the 3DS era remains a defining moment in handheld gaming history. Yoshida’s candid reflection underscores how pivotal exclusive titles like Monster Hunter 4 can be for platform momentum, shifting player loyalty and market dynamics.

As the franchise continues to evolve and expand across platforms, its legacy as a catalyst in the competition between PlayStation and Nintendo is undeniable. For fans of Monster Hunter and industry observers alike, the story of Monster Hunter 4’s Nintendo 3DS exclusivity offers a case study in how strategic collaborations and exclusive releases can reshape gaming history.

Nintendo 3DS Monster Hunter Nintendo PlayStation Shuhei Yoshida Sony 3DS Xbox Series X|S PlayStation executive Monster Hunter 4