Wild Hearts S Developer Discusses Nintendo Switch 2 Port and Development Challenges

Wild Hearts S Developer Reflects on Nintendo Switch 2 Port, Reveals Development Insights Wild Hearts S, the latest action-adventure from Koei Tecmo, recently made its debut as one of the earliest titles available on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Known for the publisher's previous success with titles like Dynasty Warriors and Nioh, Koei Tecmo has now brought their monster-hunting adventure to Nintendo's new hardware, aiming to reach both fans of the original release and a broader audience on the next-generation platform.

The port's arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 highlights a pivotal moment for Koei Tecmo, as the studio sought to leverage improved hardware to realize their vision for Wild Hearts S more fully than ever before. In a feature published by Famitsu, director Takuto Edagawa shared detailed insights into the development journey.

According to Edagawa, the team was given early access to information about the Nintendo Switch 2's specifications, which encouraged them to pursue a version of Wild Hearts S tailored for the new console.

"We received advance details on the hardware specs and realized it was feasible to develop specifically for this system," Edagawa explained.

While the original version of Wild Hearts garnered praise among those who played it, Edagawa noted that Koei Tecmo had hoped for stronger sales performance.

Recognizing the game's untapped potential, the studio saw the Switch 2 port as an opportunity to reach new players who may have missed the initial release. Edagawa elaborated on the unique challenges of porting Wild Hearts S to Nintendo Switch 2, particularly given the limited information available to the development team when work began.

"We were developing ahead of the official launch and had to operate without full knowledge of the hardware's specifications.

That presented notable difficulties, but it’s a common scenario when working on new platforms," he stated.

Balancing CPU process management was one of the technical hurdles, as was transitioning the in-game multiplayer system from supporting three to four players.

"Midway through, adjusting to support four players proved so complex that I almost regretted the decision.

Thankfully, once we overcame the obstacles, it was a relief to see it realized," Edagawa recalled. Beyond the technical discussion, Edagawa and the Wild Hearts S development team have addressed community questions about the absence of new content in this release.

Speaking previously, they emphasized their commitment to delivering the definitive version of the original game on Nintendo Switch 2 and have expressed enthusiasm for exploring a sequel in the future. Wild Hearts S is now available on Nintendo Switch 2 via the Switch eShop, offering fans a refined experience that maximizes the capabilities of Nintendo's newest system.

Koei Tecmo's technical achievements and candid reflections underscore their ongoing dedication to expanding their reach within the action-adventure genre.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Koei Tecmo Switch 2 Switch Xbox Series X|S Koei Wild Hearts S S Takuto Edagawa Wild Hearts Famitsu