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Everything you need to know about Monster Hunter Stories 3’s release date, platforms, and whether its coming to the Nintendo Switch or not.
The Monster Hunter Stories series is easily one of the most underrated franchises under Capcom’s umbrella. While the mainline Monster Hunter games have had their time in the spotlight since 2018’s Monster Hunter World, the Stories series never really got the same treatment. That said, with Monster Hunter Stories 3, Capcom seems to plan of changing the fate of the franchise.
Announced earlier this year, MHS3 is easily one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2026. This is partly due to the game’s marketing on the Nintendo Switch 2. MHS3 was announced during a Nintendo Showcase, as one of the biggest third-party releases for the hybrid console.
Given that the past games have sold quite well on the original Switch, fans might be expecting to see MHS3 arrive on the older Nintendo console. However, much like Resident Evil Requiem, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is coming exclusively to current-generation consoles, and not the original Switch. Here’s everything you need to know about MHS3 and its platforms.
Why Is Monster Hunter Stories 3 Not Releasing On Nintendo Switch?
The primary reason for Monster Hunter Stories 3 to skip the original Switch is basically the technology powering it. Much like some of Capcom’s most recent releases, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is built using the latest iteration of the RE Engine. While yes, there are games on the Switch that use the same engine (Monster Hunter Rise), it’s not the same iteration of the tech.
The RE Engine used for Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the same that Capcom have been using in their games since 2021. This is also why games like Street Fighter 6 were released exclusively on the Switch 2 and not the original Switch. Furthermore, the same engine powers the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem, which is also getting a Switch 2 release.
Apart from the engine, the Nintendo Switch is almost a decade old at this point. And while yes, it can still play some really demanding games, it’s still a very old piece of hardware. Having to release the game on the original Switch will come with a ton of compromises. And much like Monster Hunter Rise, the compromises will affect all platforms, not just the Switch.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Release Date And Pre-Order Details
Monster Hunter Stories 3 is scheduled to be released on March 13, 2026. The game is currently available for pre-order on all current-generation platforms. Furthermore, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the first game is the series that’s priced at $70. There are also three different editions of the game. Here’s a breakdown of the MHS3 editions:
Standard Edition ($69.99)
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus
Deluxe Edition ($89.99)
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus
- Deluxe Kit
Premium Deluxe Edition ($99.99)
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus
- Deluxe Kit
- DLC Pack
Deluxe Kit
- Additional Side Story: Rudy
- Special Outfits Set:
- Layered Armor for Eleanor: Royal Flair
- Layered Armor for Gaul: Protective Wings
- Layered Armor for Kora: Armored Beauty
- Layered Armor for Ogden: Eager Explorer
- Layered Armor for Thea: Sky Blue Coat
- Monster Hair: Arkveld Mane, Lunagaron Fade, Mizutsune Braid
- Rudy Outfits: Regal Aspect, Smooth Sailing, Velvety Fur, Aristocratic Air
DLC Pack
- Layered Armor for Eleanor: Foreign Dancer
- Layered Armor for Gaul: Fur-tive Five Leader
- Layered Armor for Kora: Attendant’s Attire
- Layered Armor for Ogden: Summertime Ogden
- Layered Armor for Thea: Canyne Ward
- Monster Hair: Malzeno Bob, Hellfire Tail, Espinas Spikes, Garangolm Nest, Octolocks Princess, Goss Hairagy
- Rudy Outfits: Rudy’s Arkbelt, Scintillating Armor, Relaxed-acabra, Shogun Rudy, Rudyzeno
Pre-Order Bonus
- Layered Armor for Eleanor: Skyscale Queen
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