The free Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 demo arrives on the Nintendo eShop on October 19 PT (October 20 in the UK), and digital pre-orders for the full game open the same day. Capcom confirmed that the Prologue Demo includes character creation, supports local play with friends and lets you carry your save over to the full game, which launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, 2026.

Here is what the Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 demo includes, how the save transfer works, which editions you can pre-order and how the game runs on Nintendo's console.

Official Monster Hunter Wilds screenshot from Capcom
Monster Hunter Wilds reaches Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, with a free Prologue Demo first. Image: CAPCOM

Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 demo: release date and what's included

Capcom announced the demo date on its official Monster Hunter account, and the official Prologue Demo page now lists the Nintendo Switch 2 version alongside PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam. The demo is free and covers the start of the story, from character creation through Chapter 1-3: To the Forest.

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That is the same slice that players on other platforms have been able to try, so it is a good way to test the controls, pick a weapon type and judge performance on Switch 2 before spending money.

Some limits apply. On the other platforms, the Prologue Demo is offline only: online multiplayer, online features and Photo Mode are unavailable, and SOS Flares call in NPC Support Hunters instead of real players. On Switch 2, Capcom says local play is supported, so friends with their own consoles can hunt together in the same room.

How the save transfer works

Progress from the demo carries over to the full game. According to Capcom's demo page, you need to use the same user account you played the demo with, and your options and settings come along too. The transfer works even if you have not finished the demo.

There is one catch: the transfer is not possible if the full game already has save data. If you skip the prompt by mistake, Capcom says you can delete the full-game save and relaunch to see the transfer option again.

Official Monster Hunter Wilds gameplay screenshot showing a hunt
The Prologue Demo runs through Chapter 1-3, and progress carries over to the full game. Image: CAPCOM

Pre-orders, editions and release date

The official Switch 2 page confirms that Monster Hunter Wilds launches on Switch 2 on Friday, December 4, 2026, with pre-orders starting on October 20. Three versions are listed:

Standard Edition (digital): the base game.

Gold Edition (digital): the base game, the Cosmetic DLC Collection and Premium Bonuses.

Deluxe Edition (physical): a Game-Key Card with the base game and the Deluxe Pack.

Pre-ordering adds the Guild Knight layered armor and the Hope Charm talisman. Capcom's page does not list a Switch 2 price, and we did not find a final US price on the official pages we checked, so confirm it on the eShop when pre-orders open. For reference, the PC version costs $39.99 on Steam after Capcom's permanent price cut.

Nintendo's store lists an estimated 39.1 GB download, support for TV, tabletop and handheld modes, and 1-4 players both in local wireless and online play.

Performance, crossplay and updates on Switch 2

Capcom published official performance targets for the Switch 2 version, and all three settings aim for 30fps without ray tracing:

Handheld mode: 1536 x 864 at 30fps.

TV mode, Prioritize Resolution: 2240 x 1260 at 30fps.

TV mode, Prioritize Framerate: 1920 x 1080 at 30fps.

Capcom notes that resolution is dynamic and upscaled when needed, and that the frame rate may drop in some demanding situations. That is exactly why the free demo matters: you can see how it feels before buying.

The Switch 2 version also supports crossplay for online hunts with players on other platforms, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Capcom says it includes all of the game's update content released so far, so Switch 2 players will not start behind PS5, Xbox and PC players.

Official Monster Hunter Wilds screenshot of a large monster in the Forbidden Lands
The Switch 2 version supports local play and online crossplay with other platforms. Image: CAPCOM

What it means for players and what comes next

For Switch 2 owners, this is the first chance to play the current mainline Monster Hunter on a Nintendo console, with crossplay into a community that has been hunting since February 2025. For everyone else, it means larger lobbies and more players ahead of the next big step: Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, the paid expansion Capcom has set for 2027. Game Informer reported during the Nintendo Direct that the expansion will also come to Switch 2.

If you are still on the fence, our guide on whether Monster Hunter Wilds is worth it in 2026 covers the price, performance fixes and who the game is for. And if you want more games to play with friends on the same couch or online, check our list of the best co-op games.