Monster Hunter Wilds Switch 2 Leak Reveals Multiplayer Features Despite Capcom's Cleanup Efforts

A recent datamine of Monster Hunter Wilds has uncovered new evidence suggesting a Nintendo Switch 2 port is in development, despite Capcom's apparent attempts to remove references to the console from the game's files. The discovery comes from Reddit user Lener30, who analyzed the latest build of the popular creature-hunting game and found an intriguing multiplayer illustration that appears to showcase the Switch 2's GameShare feature.

The illustration in question depicts four handheld devices that bear a striking resemblance to Nintendo's upcoming console. Labeled as "Tutorial Image for Local Communication," the image likely demonstrates how the GameShare feature will work in supported Switch 2 titles. This functionality allows owners of the newer handheld to host local multiplayer sessions with up to three other players, with only the host needing to purchase a copy of the streamed title.

This discovery is particularly noteworthy because it survived Capcom's apparent cleanup efforts. Earlier datamines had revealed code references to an "NSW2 upgrade edition" and traces of Nvidia's DLSS upscaling technology, but these hints have since been removed from the game files. The fact that this multiplayer illustration remains suggests it may be intentionally left in as a subtle indicator of the port's development.

The timing of these leaks coincides with Capcom's growing support for the Switch 2 platform. The company has already announced Resident Evil Requiem for a February 27th release, with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Pragmata scheduled for March and April respectively. This expanding library demonstrates Capcom's confidence in Nintendo's new hardware, particularly given the console's strong performance in Japan according to company president Haruhiro Tsujimoto.

However, performance concerns linger for a potential Monster Hunter Wilds port. The game has already proven challenging to run on PC, with Steam Deck users struggling to achieve stable frame rates even after multiple updates. While DLSS support has made demanding ports like Cyberpunk 2077 viable on the Switch 2, Monster Hunter Wilds may need to compromise on visual fidelity. Earlier datamines suggested the game could target 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second in docked mode, which would represent a significant step down from the PC version's capabilities.

For Nintendo gamers eagerly anticipating the port, these leaks represent one of the worst-kept secrets in the gaming industry. Beyond the technical evidence, Capcom's strategic release schedule and growing Switch 2 library make a Monster Hunter Wilds port seem increasingly inevitable. Fans will likely be watching closely for any official announcement in the coming months, particularly as the console's launch window progresses and more third-party support materializes.

The persistence of this multiplayer illustration despite Capcom's cleanup efforts suggests the company may be deliberately leaving breadcrumbs for fans to discover. Whether this represents a calculated marketing strategy or simply an oversight in the cleanup process remains unclear, but it has certainly succeeded in building anticipation for what could be one of the Switch 2's flagship titles upon release.