WILD HEARTS Q&A: ‘Switch 2 is More Comparable to Series S Than PS4’

Developer Insights on WILD HEARTS S for Nintendo Switch 2

In our ongoing series exploring the new Nintendo Switch 2 console, we are excited to share exclusive insights from Koei Tecmo regarding their highly anticipated game, WILD HEARTS S. This title is a refreshed version of the original Wild Hearts, a popular monster-hunting game first launched in February 2023 across platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X.

Enhanced Multiplayer Experience

One significant update in WILD HEARTS S is the increase in maximum player count for cooperative gameplay, expanding from three to four players. To delve deeper into the enhancements and the development process, we spoke with Producer Takuto Edagawa about the studio’s experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Pre-Order Information

WILD HEARTS S is now available for pre-order in both digital and physical formats, with a planned release set for July 25. The game will support voiceovers in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, while text will be available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Polish.

WILD HEARTS S: 4 Player Co-op Gameplay with Developer Commentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpRwb2s-jY)

Development Kit Insights

When did you receive your development kit for the Nintendo Switch 2? Unfortunately, I cannot share specific details about that.

Development Timeline and Console Usability

How long has WILD HEARTS S been in design, and how user-friendly is the new platform? While I can’t disclose the exact development timeline, I can say that our prior experience with the Switch development environment made adapting to this new hardware relatively straightforward. Thus far, it has proven to be a developer-friendly environment.

Interesting Features of the Switch 2

What’s your take on the new console, and which feature excites you the most? Personally, I am quite impressed with the chat functionality. While many dedicated gamers often resort to external tools like Discord for communication during gameplay, having a built-in feature will make it accessible to a broader audience. This integration is likely to influence gaming culture significantly.

Given that WILD HEARTS S emphasizes multiplayer experiences, the increased limit from three to four players necessitates better coordination. I encourage players to utilize the in-game chat feature to connect with friends and fully enjoy the hunting experience together.

Comparing Processing Power

Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s raw computing power more aligned with the PlayStation 4 or the Xbox Series S? While it can be complex to categorize process power due to various factors, I would posit that it is more comparable to the Xbox Series S.

Game Technology and Performance

Are you implementing NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution in your game? No, we are not utilizing DLSS for this title.

Resolution and Frame Rate Considerations

What resolution and frame rate will be available for the Switch 2 version? At this stage, we are not disclosing specifics about resolution and frame rates prior to the game’s release.

Porting Challenges to Switch 2

What obstacles did you encounter while porting the game to the Nintendo Switch 2? We successfully managed the graphics quality and performance adjustments as planned. Notably in handheld mode, the high-quality LCD enhances visual fidelity, making the graphics appear more refined than expected based on specs.

However, despite the challenges not being solely tied to the hardware’s processing power, we faced hurdles increasing multiplayer functionality from three to four players. Our dedication to a comprehensive character creation feature added complexity in this regard.

Embracing Joy-Con 2 Enhancements

What are your thoughts on the Joy-Con 2 improvements, particularly the HD Rumble? We are indeed incorporating HD Rumble, which allows for a richer and more nuanced vibration experience without the need for additional adjustments. This enhancement feels more powerful compared to its predecessor.

Final Thoughts on WILD HEARTS S

Is there anything else you’d like to share regarding the Switch 2 version of your game? In WILD HEARTS S, players can utilize innovative ‘karakuri’ mechanics that can be created instantly on the battlefield, offering a fresh hunting experience. I hope many players will join in for this adventure, and I see it as a significant step forward for our future projects. So, gather your friends and happy hunting!