Monster Hunter Wilds is shaping up to be one of the most awaited games of 2025, fueled by the success of its predecessors, Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise. These titles not only garnered critical acclaim but also shattered sales records, with World achieving over 26 million copies sold, making it Capcom’s second-best-selling game.
While the franchise has deep roots, gaining immense popularity in Japan, it cultivated a dedicated following in North America prior to the success of World and Rise. For fans looking to explore earlier titles, several classic Monster Hunter games are currently available for Nintendo Switch and 3DS at reasonable prices. A standout option is Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, now priced at just $10 on the eShop, down from its regular $40. Physical copies can be found for approximately $43.54. With its comprehensive collection of monsters and locations from throughout the series, Generations Ultimate serves as an excellent introduction to the franchise for newcomers.
### Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate for Nintendo Switch
Recognized as the last game to retain the traditional Monster Hunter gameplay, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate was first released on the 3DS in 2015. The game was expanded significantly for its 2018 Switch release. Players familiar with World or Rise will notice the typical “old Monster Hunter” mechanics, but Generations Ultimate incorporates quality-of-life improvements and offers a more approachable game experience compared to earlier titles.
Despite being nearly a decade old, Generations Ultimate is still packed with content, featuring hundreds of quests and over 90 large monsters to hunt, making it the largest entry in the franchise.
While World and Rise opened the franchise to multiple platforms, Generations Ultimate remains exclusive to the Switch. Additionally, interested players can check out the Nintendo Switch OLED or handheld Switch Lite for enhanced gameplay experiences.
### Monster Hunter Games for Nintendo 3DS
Historically, Monster Hunter games followed a dual-release format, starting with a base game followed by an expanded “Ultimate” version. Unlike other regions, North America often saw only the enhanced edition released. Generations remains the top choice, but the original Generations is still reasonably priced at $45.59 new.
For anyone looking to revisit the franchise on 3DS, titles like Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate offer a classic gaming experience, with 4 Ultimate being especially favored by long-time fans.
Players without a 3DS can still find plenty of units through various programs. While they might be priced slightly higher than other marketplaces, purchasing through these channels often includes satisfaction guarantees.
### Getting Ready for Monster Hunter Wilds
For newcomers to the Monster Hunter series, the latest titles, World and Rise, are recommended starting points before the release of Wilds, set for February 28 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Preorders are already available, featuring enticing limited-edition options.
For PC gamers, there’s also an opportunity to save 18% on preorders for Monster Hunter Wilds. Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Deluxe editions are being offered at discounted rates, making it an excellent time for fans to secure their copies.
