WILD HEARTS S Q&A: ‘Switch 2 Is Closer to the Series S Than PS4’

WILD HEARTS S Q&A: ‘Switch 2 Is Closer to the Series S Than PS4’

In our ongoing coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2, we’re bringing you a new developer Q&A about the upcoming game WILD HEARTS S from Koei Tecmo. This title is a revamped version of Wild Hearts, the monster-hunting action game originally released in February 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X. The most significant change in this version is the increase in the multiplayer player count, now up to four players instead of three. We sat down with producer Takuto Edagawa to discuss this new version and get insights into the Nintendo Switch 2, the platform it will launch on, and what makes it stand out.

The game is set for release on July 25, and it’s available for pre-order both digitally and physically. WILD HEARTS S will feature voice options in Japanese, English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, with text support in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Polish.

Switch 2 Development Insights

When asked about the development kit for the Nintendo Switch 2, Edagawa gave a cryptic response, stating, “Thank you for asking, but I am unable to provide specifics.” Despite this, he shared valuable insights into the development process for WILD HEARTS S, particularly regarding the new console’s ease of use. “Having experience with the Switch development environment, we found that even though the hardware is brand new, the platform is still quite developer-friendly,” he explained.

The Switch 2’s New Features

Edagawa highlighted the new chat feature of the Switch 2 as one of its most intriguing additions. “It might sound exaggerated, but I think it might have an impact on gaming culture as a whole,” he said. The feature allows players to chat directly through the console while playing, which enhances the experience, particularly for multiplayer games like WILD HEARTS S. With the game now supporting four-player co-op, communication is crucial, and this feature makes it easier to coordinate and strategize while hunting together.

Power and Performance: Switch 2 vs PS4 and Xbox Series S

Regarding the Switch 2’s power, Edagawa remarked that while it’s hard to generalize, it’s closer to the Xbox Series S than the PlayStation 4 in terms of raw computing power. This aligns with other developers’ impressions of the console’s specs, which place it between the PS4 and the more powerful next-gen systems.

Resolution and Frame Rate for Switch 2

While details on resolution and frame rates for WILD HEARTS S on Switch 2 are still under wraps, Edagawa confirmed that they are working hard to optimize the game for the new hardware. “We’re refraining from talking about the resolution and frame rate for now,” he said.

Challenges of Porting to Switch 2

Porting WILD HEARTS S to the Nintendo Switch 2 presented some unique challenges. “We were able to handle graphics quality and performance adjustments within the scope we had imagined. The portable mode’s high-quality LCD really makes the graphics appear smoother and more precise than expected,” Edagawa shared. One of the bigger hurdles was increasing the multiplayer count from three to four players, a change that required extensive adjustments to the game’s character creation system.

HD Rumble and Joy-Con 2 Improvements

Edagawa also spoke about the enhanced HD Rumble in the Joy-Con 2. “We’re using HD Rumble, and it’s more nuanced than before. It allowed us to implement more immersive vibrations without additional cost for adjustments,” he explained.

Looking Ahead to Future Titles

Wrapping up the interview, Edagawa expressed his excitement about the future of WILD HEARTS S and what it could mean for future Koei Tecmo games. “In WILD HEARTS S, we’ve introduced new gameplay mechanics with ‘karakuri,’ which allows players to create on-the-fly gimmicks for a more dynamic hunting experience. We’re excited to see how players embrace this feature and look forward to our next titles,” he concluded. “Please invite your friends and happy hunting!”