When Koei Tecmo and EA released Wild Hearts in 2023 it aimed to offer a rival to Monster Hunter with its own distinct twist. Now the game makes its way to Nintendo Switch 2 under the name Wild Hearts S. This version includes all updates and additional content from the original release, while attempting to deliver the full hunting experience on Nintendo’s hybrid system. The question is how well the formula translates to portable play, and whether the compromises made along the way are worth it.
Azuma’s Struggle Against Nature
Set in the fantasy land of Azuma, Wild Hearts S places players in a world inspired by feudal Japan, where giant nature-infused beasts known as Kemono threaten both villages and the environment itself. The story follows your custom hunter who joins forces with allies to push back against the destructive creatures while uncovering the mysteries of their connection to the land.
While the narrative is secondary to the action, it does enough to establish a sense of purpose behind the hunts. NPCs and townsfolk provide context and light character moments, though the writing rarely steps beyond serviceable exposition. It works best as a backdrop that reinforces the world’s atmosphere and justifies the constant cycle of battles against the Kemono.
Combat Depth and Co-op Action
Wild Hearts S delivers the core monster-hunting experience fans expect: eight distinct weapon types, from heftier greatswords to nimble claws, all of which feel weighty, responsive, and rewarding to master. The star of the game is the Karakuri system, a dynamic tool that lets hunters build everything from springboards and zip-lines to walls and crates on the fly, transforming the battlefield into an improvised toolkit of offense, defense, and traversal.
Karakuri injects a creative spark into every hunt, making each battle feel like a strategic sandbox rather than just another familiar quarry. The addition of four-player co-op, up from three in the original release, adds even more chaos, excitement, and teamwork opportunities.
The Cost of Portability
On the visual front, Wild Hearts S makes significant concessions. The ibrant, lively world of Azuma looks muted here, textures feel soft or washed out, asset pop-in is noticeable, and draw distances are curtailed compared to the sharper, more detailed versions on PC or console. Effects like lighting and environmental detail are pared down in ways that sometimes sap immersion.
Performance is a varied story. While the Switch 2 does hit 60 fps occasionally, especially in docked mode, frame rate dips are common during intense fights or visually complex moments. In handheld mode, the experience feels even more fluctuating, with choppy controls and lag during big encounters. That said, some reviewers note that performance in the 40–50 fps range remains serviceable, with more stable results in docked play.
Updates, DLC, and Online Options
Wild Hearts S benefits from bundling all post-launch updates and DLC, including the Karakuri Edition cosmetics and emotes, into a single package. It also adds the expanded co-op mode and support for Nintendo’s GameChat and camera in online play. On the downside, cross-platform play is not supported, so you will be limited to playing with other Switch 2 users. Aside from balance tweaks, there are few new gameplay features beyond those cosmetic and social improvements.
A Portable Hunt With Limits
Wild Hearts S holds up well where it counts, hunting Kemono with inventive tools, satisfying weapon feedback, and cooperative battles remain engaging. The Karakuri system continues to stand out as a fresh twist on the genre, fostering creative thinking rather than just repetitive grinding.
Yet the port’s technical shortcomings weigh it down, especially for players who value visual fidelity or smooth performance in portable mode. And if you already experienced the game on other platforms, the lack of meaningful new content may make this feel more like a convenience than a must have.
Wild Hearts S
Summary
Wild Hearts S on Nintendo Switch 2 is an enjoyable way to experience the game on the go, keeping its inventive combat and co-op intact. Technical issues and downgraded visuals hold it back, but newcomers or players seeking portability will still find plenty to enjoy.
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