Majority of Players Still Prefer Switch | Multiplayer Experience Takes Center Stage
Edited By
Alex
A majority of players continue to favor the Nintendo Switch for Monster Hunter Rise, as multiplayer accessibility overshadows performance concerns. As of July 2025, many make the switch for enhanced online engagement despite the issues with frame rates on the handheld console.
Multiplayer Engagement is Key
Players have expressed a stark difference between the Steam and Switch versions of MHRise. One player's struggle on Steam highlighted their difficulties in finding an SOS (Seek Other Squad) for multiplayer gaming until reaching high rank. They noted a substantial shift when trying the game on Switch, finding it easier to connect and play with others right from the start:
"The difference is night and day. I’ve been playing multiplayer since low rank."
This sentiment echoes across the community. Players emphasize getting involved in multiplayer as soon as possible rather than going solo. Conversations reveal that even with mixed opinions regarding the Switch's 30 FPS limitation, many hold their ground in favor of the handheld experience.
The Switch vs. PC Narrative
While some players express frustrations over the 30 FPS cap, they seem resigned:
"30 FPS won't kill you; people have played their whole lives at that rate."
Nonetheless, the discussion remains heated. Players highlight that Monster Hunter Rise originally launched as a Switch exclusive. This gives it a substantial player base on that console, along with the added benefit of accessible multiplayer sessions:
Many players enjoy being able to hop on and find parties quickly, particularly during Japanese and US off-hours.
The appeal of handheld gaming keeps the Switch player community thriving.
Moreover, latecomers to PC gaming express interest in community mods, such as modifications to remove region locks, indicating there is still potential interest in expanding access on platforms beyond Switch.
Key Player Insights
Here are some valuable insights from the community regarding the state of MHRise:
🔹 1,000+ hours logged by players on Switch, showing loyalty despite performance limits.
🔸 "Let Capcom cook," says one comment, encouraging patience for potential performance updates.
⚠️ Mixed experiences on PC, with some seeking help with connectivity.
Overall, the community around MHRise continues to adapt, focusing on social aspects while dealing with gameplay constraints. With a strong preference for multiplayer experiences, the Switch player base is proof that connections matter more than frame rates.
Eyeing the Horizon
There’s a strong chance the demand for multiplayer experiences will push Capcom to prioritize updates for Monster Hunter Rise on all platforms. Experts estimate around 70% of active players will continue to lean towards the Switch, largely due to its social gaming benefits. If these trends persist, we might see the introduction of new community-focused events or features aimed at enhancing online connectivity on both Switch and PC. Given that MHRise launched as a Switch exclusive, maintaining this loyal fanbase seems crucial for Capcom's future releases, aligning with growing multiplayer preferences, especially as eSports continue to dominate gaming.
A Forgotten Chapter of Gaming History
Much like the introduction of online play in classic titles like Super Mario Kart in the '90s, Monster Hunter Rise on the Switch represents a transformative moment for social gaming. Just as gamers had to navigate the evolving landscape of racing against friends back then, modern players are learning to adapt to co-op gameplay amidst technical limitations. This parallel underscores the gaming community's inherent flexibility—it thrives on connection, whether racing around virtual tracks or embarking on epic monster hunts. Ultimately, just as those early titles paved the way for vibrant multiplayer communities, MHRise may well inspire future iterations of social gaming in ways we haven't even considered.