The hunt is back – and this time, it’s portable. Wild Hearts S, the enhanced version of Koei Tecmo’s action RPG, has officially landed on the Nintendo Switch 2. This isn’t just a scaled-down port – it’s a fully reworked edition that brings the full beast-hunting experience to Nintendo’s upgraded console with surprisingly few compromises.
Fans of the original Wild Hearts already know what’s in store: massive creatures, intense co-op battles, and a world shaped by ancient technology and wild nature. What Wild Hearts S adds is speed, stability, and access. You can now carve up Kemono beasts in handheld mode without worrying about frame drops or blurry visuals. The Switch 2 handles the game’s scale with ease.
What really makes Wild Hearts S feel fresh is how it takes advantage of Switch 2’s faster loading, more consistent frame rates, and refined controls. Whether you’re building Karakuri traps or dodging devastating beast attacks, it all just clicks better here. And for players who never got to experience the original on PC or console, this is the perfect starting point.
Grab your gear and get ready – Azuma’s primal threats are calling again, and you’ve never been more prepared.
What’s New in Wild Hearts S?
While the core gameplay remains true to its roots, Wild Hearts S brings several enhancements to the table. First, the game has been visually tuned to look crisper on the Switch 2’s OLED display, with updated lighting, cleaner textures, and a smoother interface. Frame pacing issues from previous console versions have been addressed, and gameplay now feels consistently fluid even during high-action battles.
Performance aside, there are also gameplay adjustments. Crafting Karakuri is more intuitive thanks to optimized button layouts, and load screens between zones have been dramatically shortened. Save syncing and cloud backup also now work across Nintendo profiles, making it easier to jump between docked and handheld sessions without any friction.
Hunting on the Go – Portable Power Unleashed
The real magic here is being able to take Wild Hearts S on the road without missing a beat. Previous versions of the game demanded a lot from hardware, but the Switch 2 holds up well under pressure. Even in handheld mode, massive battles against towering beasts feel smooth, responsive, and cinematic.
The ability to build on-the-fly traps and deploy large-scale gadgets during combat never slows down gameplay. It’s all reactive and fast, meaning even when the screen fills with fire, wind, or crashing debris, the experience stays sharp. And since battles can last upwards of 20 minutes, the Switch 2’s extended battery life also plays a role in keeping the hunt alive.
New Player Perks and Co-op Functionality
For newcomers, Wild Hearts S now features an expanded tutorial system that walks you through the basics of Karakuri use, weapon types, and co-op synergy. Jumping into multiplayer is quicker too – the game detects other Switch 2 users nearby or online and prompts instant join-in options.
Three-player co-op remains the ideal format, and connection stability has been noticeably improved. Even complex encounters where all players are spamming abilities and summoning gadgets run without slowdown. With in-game emotes, pings, and team loadout previews, cooperation is more efficient than ever.
Why Wild Hearts S Deserves Your Time
This isn’t just a monster-hunting clone. Wild Hearts sets itself apart with its blend of tactical trap-building and fast-paced action. The addition of Switch 2 support gives the game a second life, especially for players who missed it the first time or want a portable hunting fix. The level of polish here shows that Omega Force and Koei Tecmo aren’t just recycling their product – they’re refining it.
Whether you’re in it for the tense solo battles or epic multiplayer showdowns, Wild Hearts S proves the Switch 2 can handle ambitious action RPGs with style.
