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."

429 Comments

  • Nkosistryder

    Posted Nov 17, 2009 3:11 am PT

    Being a proud ps3 owner i was disappointed wen i heard they cancelled MH3 on ps3. MH3 in HD graphics with the ps3's online capabilities wud hav been awesome but....

    ...*Sign*.... I'm a sucker 4 the monster hunter series...so.. *sigh* i guess i'll be buying a Wii wen this comes out, which won't be a waste becos the monster hunter has on average 250-300+ hr gameplay value n that was on psp where without the internet online play. On the Wii at least gathering halls will be fuller and we'll get to play with people from all over. It wud be nice to see how the Wii controls will be incorporated into the gameplay.

  • lonewanderer06

    Posted Oct 16, 2009 11:27 am PT

    I honestly think its a bad idea Ive been hunting for over 4 years now and I love the game to death but i refuse to by the Wii for it send it back to PS3 or atleast the 360 anything but Wii.

  • fatboy33

    Posted Oct 13, 2009 2:00 pm PT

    Capcom is so missing the boat here. I love my PS3 and my Wii gathers dust mostly due to work related injury and the repetitiveness of Wii hurts my arm. I love the Wii when I first got it though, but had to stop using it. Now I play on my Ps3 and was looking forward to this game, not anymore though. Shows that Capcom doesn't have faith in it's ability to put out a game that will make money though.

  • 9thedevilmaycry

    Posted Oct 1, 2009 12:28 am PT

    Every body shut up about wii is kiddy.
    nintendo is not making it kiddy, other componies are making it kiddy.
    also lets make sure that this game doesent blow the wii up,
    due to overly powered grapfics

  • HeIIgun

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 7:12 am PT

    yeah, wii may have sold more consoles, but capcom won't make more money on wii then would on ps3, cus wii have been hacked, at least 20% of owner can play back-ups, and won't buy the game.... most of monster hunters fans are 16 years + old, those are the ppl that download and record back ups. but wii is still a good deal for kids games.

  • Prototype_14

    Posted Aug 8, 2009 7:58 pm PT

    I think it is awesome that monster hunter is coming out for the Wii. And for people who think the Wii has terrible graphics, I thought Metroid Prime 3 had great graphics. MHF2/MHFU for the PsP has great graphics, so this one will look good on the Wii.

  • Yamate

    Posted Aug 8, 2009 12:01 am PT

    It's funny how when a big franchise like Monster Hunter finally hits the Wii that many desired, it gets bashed by so many who hate the console. What about MGS4?!! Did the Wii owners get it? NO! We all know why that is and understand the situation. But they didn't bash on it, at least. I tell ya, the whiners only look for hi-res graphics and fluid online. Nintendo needs this kind for game to make up for the others that didn't sell well. C'mon, guys, grow up! I'm pretty sure other Monster Hunter titles will come to others like the PS3 and 360 in due time. Give Capcom a break!

  • Lugia_120

    Posted Aug 7, 2009 7:20 pm PT

    Fanboys,you just suck!
    If no good game come out for the wii,you say the wii don't have good games.
    If a good game comes out you say that the game should be made to other platform.
    What the!?

  • NoSoup4Me

    Posted Aug 1, 2009 9:46 am PT

    This really let me down. I was really hoping to play this game on the ps3 or even the 360. I loved the 1st one on ps2 such a different rpg type game than Id played before,where if you didnt move when the big ass dragon was thrashing and flailing about on the ground you died.It made you work with the guys on your team.

    Such a disappointment you'd figured a big company like capcom would want to release it on as many systems as they can.

    Booourns Capcom

  • wrist_watch

    Posted Jul 31, 2009 11:43 pm PT

    Overall a poor movement by Capcom, moving to a console with lesser hardware and lesser online services. Ofcourse it looks like its all about money and cutting corners; going to a console that has 2 times the sales figures. In the end take it for what it is, Capcom didn't honor its commitment and it will be hard for me to take this Monster Hunter installment seriously.

  • ClaudeLv250

    Posted Jul 16, 2009 2:42 am PT

    My eyes must be playing tricks on me. Two years later and there can't still be butthurt fanboys crying in the comments.

  • kkdgreyt

    Posted Jul 13, 2009 4:57 am PT

    Stick to the Playstation Series people,, I'm not saying that it's better but it's consistent,, X_X

  • kkdgreyt

    Posted Jul 13, 2009 4:56 am PT

    What the hell were they thinking? Wii over the PS3? I mean c'mon,, They already started with the PS2, then moved to the PSP and now the Wii?! That ain't right,, [-(

  • gorgutz

    Posted Jul 12, 2009 6:00 pm PT

    WTFH!? The Wii. Exclusive? I hope this is some ploy to turn a profit and build a better game later for the PS3. Other wise. I wont b buy'n it. Controls for PS2 version will work perfect with PS3 controls. Just play'd PS2 version on my PS3 and found out the servers were down lol. Bummer. Was git'n hyped for the new game. PSP versions look great but the dam thing is too small for me. GL wit the Wii. thpppt.

  • 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. sign in 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 (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    joshaphile

    Posted Nov 10, 2008 10:38 am PT (hide)

    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. sign in 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 (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    scar-hawk

    Posted Aug 30, 2008 5:53 pm PT (hide)

    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!!!!

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