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| Monster Hunter Wilds PS5 Japanese box shot |
The launch of Monster Hunter Wilds was a global event, marked by massive player queues and sky-high expectations. Yet, in the months since its release, Capcom's latest flagship has stumbled, encountering a perfect storm of technical woes and player skepticism. While performance issues have plagued PC users, the game has also failed to fully capture the hearts of its console audience. Nowhere is this downturn more starkly illustrated than in Japan, the series' historic stronghold, where the game's resale value has plummeted to a shocking 18 JPY—roughly 11 US cents.
Japan's Used Game Market Sends a Stark Message
The dramatic devaluation was highlighted when Kaitori World, a prominent Japanese used goods chain, listed its buying price for the PS5 version at this almost symbolic amount. This isn't an isolated fire sale; it's a market correction reflecting deep-seated issues with the action RPG's reception in its home country. The situation became notable enough to draw a public response from Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto. Interestingly, he sidestepped common critiques about performance, instead pointing to the high cost of the PlayStation 5 console as a primary barrier to entry for Japanese players.
The report from Automaton underscores the game's struggle for relevance in a key market. As noted in their coverage, the buying price at some stores has become a talking point among fans and analysts alike.
Is this normal?
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A Glimmer of Hope? The Switch 2 Port Rumors
This market reality fuels speculation that the long-rumored Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 port could be Capcom's ace in the hole for Japan. Nintendo's platforms, with their typically lower price points and immense local popularity, have historically been a boon for the franchise. Monster Hunter Rise, designed for the Switch, shattered sales records in Capcom's home territory. A release on a more affordable, region-locked handheld could be the key to expanding the game's player base where it currently matters most.
A Global Trend of Deep Discounts
The discount phenomenon isn't confined to Japan. As discussed by The Gamer, a Redditor shared another Japanese advertisement offering a used copy for just $3. Bargains are appearing worldwide. An Australian gamer recently stumbled upon a sealed copy for 19 AUD (approximately 13 USD), a severe reduction from its launch price.
Even in the United States, where the Monster Hunter Wilds price has been more stable, significant cuts are common. Tracking data from SteamDB shows the PC version hitting an all-time low of $38. For console players, physical deals have been aggressive; Amazon recently ran a sale offering both PS5 and Xbox versions for just $25.
Beyond Performance: Gameplay Changes Divide the Community
While Capcom's Title Update 4 in December successfully addressed many of the PC version's stuttering problems—leading to a temporary resurgence on Steam—the game's underlying popularity has faded again. Recent reviews remain "Mixed," pointing to divides that go deeper than frame rates.
Longtime fans, particularly in Japan, have expressed resistance to several core changes. The shift to a vast, seamless open world, a major selling point for some, has left others unconvinced of its benefits to the classic Monster Hunter loop. Criticisms also abound regarding simplified combat mechanics and a perceived lack of the grueling challenge that defines the series' most memorable hunts. These are fundamental gameplay issues that a simple port to Switch 2 would not solve without significant design tweaks.
The Road Ahead for the New World
Monster Hunter Wilds finds itself at a crossroads. It's a technically ambitious title that has yet to win over its most dedicated constituency or maintain its initial launch momentum. While a more affordable platform release could boost its numbers in Japan, winning back veteran hunters globally will require Capcom to carefully listen to feedback on the game's core design. The journey through its new world has begun, but the path to reclaiming its throne is steeper than many anticipated.