Monster Hunter 3 now Wii-exclusive

[UPDATE] Citing "high development costs," Capcom has moved development of its formerly PS3-exclusive game to Nintendo's platform.

The Monster Hunter series is big in Japan--Monster Hunter Freedom for the PlayStation Portable was the first PSP game to sell over a million copies there, and the series has shipped over 4.5 million units worldwide.

The first game, Monster Hunter, was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2. Since then the games have always been on Sony platforms, with the latest, Monster Hunter 3, previously scheduled for release solely on the PlayStation 3.

However, Capcom announced today that Monster Hunter 3 will be coming to the Nintendo Wii, and it promises it has been "working tirelessly" to make use of the unique aspects of the Wii in the game.

The company explained the latest decision by saying, "As always, we at Capcom will continue to strive to develop new and original games that appeal to a broad audience around the world while expanding our properties for multiple platforms. We believe that by bringing the Monster Hunter series to multiple platforms, it will help the franchise reach an even-greater number of users eager for its unique gameplay."

[UPDATE] After some initial confusion, Capcom clarified to the Thomson Financial news service that Monster Hunter 3 is not only coming to the Wii, but will be completely exclusive to the platform. "Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title," Capcom managing corporate officer Katsuhiko Ichii told Thomson.

Also speaking to the wire service, Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata said the deal was part of a new phase in the global Wii strategy, "aimed at expanding the game-player population."

413 Comments

  • MEGA--X

    Posted Jun 20, 2009 12:59 am PT

    A BIG !@#% ^&* TO YOU!

    "working tirelessly"
    Lies. if you really love your fans you could but it on wii + ps3
    or maybe you want more money because wii sells more?

    for god sake.........you can build a world in ps3.
    NOT A GAME BUT WORLD!
    & you just sold MH series & disrespect your fans >.>

    if it was for the graphix you can do it & make it better but...IT'S FOR !@#$%^& MONEY!

    senseless ppl >.>

  • valczir2

    Posted Jun 7, 2009 11:32 am PT

    Wait, what? Hold on a sec, here, and let me explain the way I'm seeing things.

    If my time with MHF is any indication, the Monster Hunter series is essentially the epitome of a hardcore video game. It's for hardcore gamers. I mean, you have to do research, build a character, create items, and even after all of the preparation that you do, the combat is difficult.

    And Capcom decides to release one of these games exclusively for the Casual Gamer's system? The Wii? What. The. Crap.

    I don't give a crap about graphics; Capcom would have done better to release a poorly rendered version on the PS3 than to switch to the Wii. If you can't create good graphics, just don't, and deal with the consequences. Moving to another platform to have an excuse for your poor graphics? It might work, if the Wii was a hardcore gamer's system, but it's not. Monster Hunter seems about as hardcore as gaming gets, these days, and it should be on a hardcore system.

    The Wii. Blech. Much as I hate Microsoft, I think I would be less put off if Monster Hunter had moved to the 360.

  • plasticbox1990

    Posted Jun 5, 2009 1:45 pm PT

    why dump the PS3 for the wii I would dump my wii for a PS3 it doesn't make sense

  • jadelotuz

    Posted Jun 2, 2009 6:42 am PT

    Sad ... and weird. I've been waiting for this one. Monster hunting in Next-Gen Graphics, with even greater / proper On-line capabilities and connectivity! And so this. Really sad.

    The controller thing they talk about, that Wii has exclusive right now, ain't both Xbox360 and PS3 planing om something similar? Some type of "Swing-motion-remote-nunchuck-pad-thingie"?I think I can remember a small rumour about it somewhere. ... so this is both weird and sad. *sigh*

  • BLuFAlc0n

    Posted May 26, 2009 11:01 am PT

    No loss for me, I didn't expect it....
    I have both PS3 and Wii, I'm happy for it to come out on Wii.

    Just have Monster Hunter G+ w/ Classic Controller for Wii!

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted May 10, 2009 1:12 pm PT

    welcome to a lackluster online game. Too much lag and latency to accurately have 4 people swining and rolling around monsters. It just isnt gonna work ...

  • Cerberuz_27

    Posted Apr 26, 2009 8:47 am PT

    can't wait for this game to come out

  • branman200 posted Apr 25, 2009 3:17 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    branman200

    Posted Apr 25, 2009 3:17 pm PT (hide)

    i think that swiching to the wii is or was a good idea the wii is the best system ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • abel623

    Posted Apr 1, 2009 10:47 am PT

    Man! that just a stupid choice on there part come on compare the two system ps3 and the Wii that you can put a hell lot more on the blue ray that mean it can be endless game play offline and online man that just a bad choice and the ps3 need some good rpg to capcom you disappoint me i was a big fan to had all the series of monster hunter even that japanese one.

  • Inuyashe

    Posted Mar 21, 2009 11:39 am PT

    Okay... this has put me into a state of RAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

    I mean, come on! The Wii?! the I-suck-at-graphics Wii?
    And how would the controls work?!
    This is a sad day...

  • nat130

    Posted Mar 18, 2009 9:11 am PT

    This sucks... I mean the wii? What the hell was capcom thinking? The game has always been unique to playstayions, so why change that now, and even worse, they havnt made it multiplatform? Just on the wii? God... But, I suppose this will at least give the Wii one decent game... But, still, I wouldn't buy one. I'm shocked at this... And with Final Fantasy, I own a 360, but even I think it should stay on PS, after all, thats what's been its home all along. I believe that companies should keep classics and series to themselves! It's these games that define a console! lol, I still don't get why capcom would do this...........

  • Marcman2005

    Posted Mar 11, 2009 5:03 pm PT

    WHY!

  • Debane

    Posted Feb 1, 2009 12:31 pm PT

    This is a load of crock. First they say MH3 has been canceled "Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title." Then they say that the Wii can't even handle the splash screens for a game like RE5. The controls will be an absolute disaster on the Wii, and the graphics will not look good on any TV that can handle 1080i/p/. Capcom failed big time here. The PS3 has gotten absolutely no support from game development companies and has a thin list of exclusives. FFXIII is going to be on the XBOX360 FFS! When a game like fl0wer, which is fl0ws spiritual predecessor can be made for the PS3 but not MH3? Eff you Capcom, you just killed a series, and helped to further the death of the PS3.

  • the_Great_Fall

    Posted Jan 26, 2009 4:55 am PT

    AWESOME! i really liked this game on the ps2 and the psp (the psp just need online other than ad hoc). but sadly the ps2 online was shutdown, which sucked! but i can look forward to playing this online, and i hope it has voice chat or something b/c i didnt have a keyboard to use on the ps2 and it was hard typing using the arrows on the controller and fighting a monster at the same time. does this have offline co-op to, i thought i read somewhere that it did.

  • camelishes

    Posted Jan 23, 2009 9:06 am PT

    awsome i cannot wait i love all the MH games and hopfully it will be online

  • joshaphile

    Posted Nov 10, 2008 10:38 am PT

    lets be honest, yea monster hunters been a sony endorsed product since the start, HOWEVER, i like the idea of it arriving on the wii. the new control systems will probly add a new dimension to a classic series, and they will almost definitely release a psp version. also, as i understand it, there will be a ps3 version released at a later date. and Rebel4lyfe06 what the hell ya talkin bout?!?!?! who the hell says ya have to play it, if your gonna say sommat insulting, keep it short & sweet. dante399. i love the game too, but gettin a wii to play the thing will be worth it, and the console aint a fossil. its true that it outsells the ps3 by far.

  • higheclipse

    Posted Nov 4, 2008 4:35 pm PT

    What they should say is: "We are so cheap, we can't make good use of next-gen graphics, and so we go to the Wii where they won't really tear us apart because of the graphics"...Ahhh, whatever, I hope that they at least can make it good...

  • Rebel4lyfe06

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 12:39 pm PT

    "Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title," HaHa why doesn't capcom just come out and say they are cheap. I've seen the vids and it looks just like monster hunter ortable. I was really looking forward to Hunting with next gen graphics and capcom developing a strong online community for this game. Once again a strong sony franchise has slipped away just to save/make a couple bucks(Final Fantasy). Here goes another game i was looking forward to and now will probably never play!! :{

  • Pieter101 posted Oct 13, 2008 1:32 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Pieter101

    Posted Oct 13, 2008 1:32 am PT (hide)

    Get a Xbox360 version Wii Sucks xD
    Or Make An Better PSP version xD

  • Locutus_Picard

    Posted Oct 11, 2008 6:43 am PT

    Seriously, Capcom is screwing his fans over.
    I am sure MH3 will own on a Wii, and for all I care the just port the Wii game to a PS3 with same graphics...just to get the game!
    It looks great already and MH3 is not about the graphics, although the Wii sure look great...but not going multi-plat or al least developing it for the PS3...is a HUGE screw-over.

    I guess even porting a Wii game is too much work for those lazy bums. Too bad I ever had faith in Capcom.

  • Dante399

    Posted Oct 9, 2008 6:15 am PT

    The new pictures of Monster Hunter 3 on the Wii look like the graphics of PS2 :S
    And on my fullHD TV it won't be a curse-free season after all.

  • Dante399

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 2:53 am PT

    @nintendonerd101
    well...the Wii is a fossil because it is technologically staying behind the next gen consoles, be fair what is the big difference between the Gamecube and the Wii? not much!! What about its compatibility with the new video out technologies? It has only 480p output where Ps3&360 have 1080p which is compatible with the latest TVs...that's a big difference, don't u think? and don't u realize that most of Wii games are designed for kids and losing weight(believe me i've looked!! i'm no Mario fan and classic games are fossils too) What about Wii optical disc which has only a max 8.54GB which u can compare to only PS2, XBox and of course 2x GC discs! (IMO if they can put it on Wii they can do it on PS2).
    Wii's internet community isn't so great when comparing it to 360 or PS3. As I said before Wii is not for hardcore players it is for casual players.

    And don't get me wrong i'm not so hung up on money or anything I'm buying the "precious Wii" but not because it is worth it but because of two games the coming Zelda (if it isn't on GC) and MH3tri (if it is exclusive)

    Btw, RE5 example was realistic, if they can make it one the Wii they can fit it on PS2,GC and Xbox. And if that petition succeeded which i doubt it, then PS2 RE5 won't be hard to make.

  • nintendonerd101

    Posted Sep 28, 2008 6:45 am PT

    @ Dante399
    Umm, how exactly is the Wii a fossil console? It's still selling in stores as soon as it arrives on the shelves and is outselling your precious PS3 by a long shot. And if you're trying to say there's nothing good on the console, why not try actually looking at some of the games before deciding they're bad.

    Btw, bringing RE5 to the PS2/GC was a bad example because those systems are actually out of date, but the wii is far from that. Matter of fact, there's an online petition that already has about 50,000 votes for bringing RE5 to the wii and that petition is gaining momentum by the day.

  • Dante399

    Posted Sep 24, 2008 1:26 pm PT

    Capcom is one of the best VideoGaming companies no doubt about that. It is successful and has many hit games. However, disappointing a whole fanbase of a certain title and dumping it on a "fossil" console is not the smartest of moves! As a fan of the game I demand the best graphics, online networking, length and gameplay. I do not care about the console it comes out on as long as it is capable of granting those things. But this is what I want, Capcom doesn't care about THAT!!! They want more money!!!
    Why not even considering Xbox360 along with PS3 and the PC? (which will kill 25% or so of the game because of the 360 :S), however will have even larger market than that Wii fossil.

    Just imagine that Resident Evil 5 is moved to be exclusive on PS2 or GameCube, what would that make you feel if you really like the game?
    Of course every fan would feel bad because PS2, GC, Xbox and Wii are all fossils now!

  • Gioh

    Posted Sep 23, 2008 7:47 am PT

    Yes, the game is good.
    Wont be less i assume on a WII.

    But i aint gonna get me some stone age console to play it.

    Greedy b***, they are obliged to release at least a psp or ps2 version. That aint to high development costs, or what?
    Probably got bought out by Nontendo.

    What a waste...well almost Lich King time...ill be returning to WOW for sure...

    ..oh ye, ill be busy doin Brothers in Ars on PS3.

    Luckily i havnt reached max in MHF anyways..

    Laterzz all

    A sad they for psp players.

  • king_bobo

    Posted Sep 6, 2008 7:04 am PT

    Well I think it's good that it's coming to the Wii, but at the same time I think the game could have looked amazing on the PS3, which it could never be on the Wii. If the Wii version has online, I'm buying it...

  • shaddezblue

    Posted Sep 3, 2008 3:15 pm PT

    Thank Goodness, That Means There might Be A Monster Hunter For PS3

  • scar-hawk

    Posted Aug 30, 2008 5:53 pm PT

    This WILL be amazing. Heck, with online this is a must buy! I'm glad its coming to wii. And since its exclusively for wii I'm definitely getting it.

  • scar-hawk

    Posted Aug 30, 2008 5:53 pm PT

    This WILL be amazing. Heck, with online this is a must buy! I'm glad its coming to wii. And since its exclusively for wii I'm definitely getting it.

  • KirbyKing

    Posted Aug 28, 2008 2:59 am PT

    Why is everyone complaining? Monster hunter 3 will be exellent on the Wii! The motion controls will be great, and they will make altenative controls for those who prefer it. Face it, Wii is selling way more than the PS3, if anything sony where holding the Monster hunter franchise down. With Nintendo the series will finally have a chance to flourish in the Uk and America. I got the first monster hunter for the PS2, and it was great fun, but since then Sony have just become greedy, and im not willing to spend so much money on there mediocre consoles. A Psp nearly costs the same amount as a Wii, the Ps3 costs nearly 2 Wiis and a DS. Also the Wii is dominant in japan and who likes the Monster hunter franchise the most?
    All you sony fans can shut up, this will be AWESOME.

  • Liljim94

    Posted Aug 27, 2008 6:38 pm PT

    I've had monster hunter since ps2 and ive been hooked on the series since then. I can see why capcom would go with the wii, major profits. Of course this upsets a lot of the fans of the series because they don't think the controls on the wii will be as good, and they probibly wont be, but im sure every monster hunter fan who owns a wii will by the game anyway to see if it does suck or its actually not that bad. so capcom has most of the old fans AND new ones who would be interested in a game like this for the wii, who will in turn buy the previous and future games of monster hunter. Heck, with all the money capcom can get from this, they can put a lot of it towards an even better monster hunter for PS3, 360, ANYTHING with decent online play. Be honest here people, would you rather have a monster hunter with amazing online play and the same controls as fans are used to but with the same graphics as PSP and PS2 (personally i thought the graphics have been great for both) or would u rather start out on a system new to the monster hunter series with possibly good potential control wise, the WORST online community on the face of earth, and well i dont know about you guys but i dont really care too much about the graphics. im happy with the way they are. so as long as they dont go backwards ill be happy

  • rottenliver22

    Posted Aug 26, 2008 4:01 am PT

    I'm glad it's coming for the Wii. I just hope the online play will be as fun as the ps2 was. I'm buying it either way

  • pandadude72

    Posted Aug 23, 2008 8:41 am PT

    WTF is every one on about?!?!?
    The Wii is able to handle high graphics and has extremely good playability!!!!
    Try watching a video for the game 'The Conduit' on the Wii....
    That game was specifically brought out just to prove ppl like you wrong....
    And considering there was MHF on the PSP I think it's about time there's a MH for the people who don't own a PSP!!!!

  • fishing224

    Posted Aug 15, 2008 6:06 am PT

    Sweet, i just hope that they have easy and simple comtrols for the remote tho.

  • Dante399

    Posted Jul 31, 2008 1:40 am PT

    Sorry, but I care about the game itself rather than the system it comes out in: and I believe the ps3 version will be far better than the Wii's.
    (I'd buy and play the game even if it came out on Nintendo nes or Atari :S)
    that's right i care about this game too much that it hurts to know that they could've done it better

  • dyno4010

    Posted Jul 21, 2008 7:15 pm PT

    i really dont care what system it comes out in, i just hope that it runs with wii classic controler or gamecube controlers, i really dont want to use the remote

  • Ryan10901994

    Posted Jul 9, 2008 10:52 am PT

    sounds like a cool game

  • beastmr2

    Posted Jul 7, 2008 3:35 am PT

    Ive got all the platforms so I dont care what system it comes out for cause im gonna get it any way, but MAN! Capcoms corporate officer, Katsuhiko Ichii, is an idiot for publically saying "Due to high development cost of titles for PS3, we have decided to switch the platform to which we release our Monster Hunter 3 title," . I'd bet any amount of imaginary currency that he's been fired by now for saying that.

  • Sheen77

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 8:27 am PT

    Hunting game for Wii? mmm...I'm sure that some pads will finish inside of more than one LCD. XDD

  • Fraek

    Posted Jul 6, 2008 2:11 am PT

    If this is indeed a part of Nintendo's strategy, hopefully that means they'll be helping Capcom get the wii control rights; unfortunately, it seems very few third-party developers are able to do this. Anyhow, as a wii owner I am glad that development costs are low for the wii, so that good ideas will triumph over high budgets (oh, I wish I were a punk-rocker, with flowers in my hair...).

    Monster Hunter 3 is, indeed, a game that could benefit from kick-abdomen graphics, but I think there is reason to be enthusiastic about this game: The wii allows for a variety of control styles, and hopefully this will allow for multiple playstyles, thus adding depth to multiplayer. For instance, you can have one guy mashing buttons and trying to score combos while another stands a bit away from the monsters and uses the wiimote to take aim, attacking the enemy's weak points (FOR MASSIVE DAMAGE)!

  • Dante399

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 6:17 am PT

    Wii is not a "next generation" console, the retards who go backward instead of forward. if Wii or 360 were better in graphics and performance I would change my mind. Even if u say that the gameplay is good, well I'd like good graphics and good online play come with it!

  • dudge_man

    Posted Jun 23, 2008 7:10 am PT

    All u PS3 fan boy are retards! sure it would have been better if they had kept it on the PS3 but the WII is not as bad as u guys say i bet u have not even played one and sure they have to get the wii mote perfect but if not they always have the classic remote to fall back on and this game is going to be good anyways because its a monster hunter the best games ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Dante399

    Posted Jun 15, 2008 5:38 am PT

    A major disappointment!!!!!! I'm no console fanboy because at the time of the ps2 and GameCube I really wished all games on ps2 were created on GC especially games from Capcom (Resident Evil & RE 0 were just perfect) because GC is better in performance. Now it's the same story PS3 is far far better in performance and everything than Wii. and the experience of moving the controller to move the character was a horrible one in Lair, I wish Capcom doesn't make the same mistake that will kill this franchise.

  • Jediprince

    Posted Jun 5, 2008 12:01 pm PT

    Well this definately sucks. Capcom should've kept it to the PSP then if they were going to do a money saving ploy. MH3 will suck ass, the PS3 version would've at least represent MH's introduction to a better era, doing this IMHO is just going backwards, great job Capcom......

    For the record, I have PSP, Wii, PS3 and 360 and I still play Monster Hunter Freedom 2 and I'm eagerly awaiting my MGS4 copy...

  • superfrog123

    Posted May 28, 2008 10:34 am PT

    Um... no the controls for the PS2 version were not hard at all... I have both a Wii and a PS3 and I am slightly intrigued to how the game would turn out on the Wii, but I am dissapointed that it is not coming out for the PS3.

  • jasonchase

    Posted May 18, 2008 11:52 am PT

    if they releced this game on boath consoles it would rockk i mean i got nothin on the wii just i think the controls will suck

  • jasonchase

    Posted May 7, 2008 8:49 am PT

    three words capcom CHEAP GAMES SUCK

  • jasonchase

    Posted May 7, 2008 8:43 am PT

    nooo this sucks i have a wii and a ps3 but i realy think that this is goin to SUCK the ps2 verzions had hard controls as it is this is goin to be a flop

  • FallenAngelXBL

    Posted Apr 19, 2008 1:12 am PT

    Graphics do not make a game, GAMEPLAY DOES. Something PS3 fan boys are forgetting. Although i have to admit, unless Capcom REALLY master the Wii mote, then this will suck major balls. Only Nintendo have been able to make motion sensing controls work well like Metroid Prime 3 for example. Hope this works well, and i can see why capcom wouldnt put a high budget game like this on a console that isnt seling to well compared to the rest of the market. Why spend that much money on something you arent guaranteed to make a profit from.

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