Without a doubt, Monster Hunter World is easily one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2018, with fans of the franchise patiently waiting for the forthcoming title’s launch on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One at the end of next week. Speaking of the action-RPG’s supported systems, its directors Kaname Fujioka and Yuya Tokuda recently explained why the game is only coming to the aforementioned platforms and not the Nintendo Switch.

According to an interview IGN held with both Fujioka and Tokuda, one of the primary reasons that Monster Hunter World won’t be coming to the Nintendo Switch is due to the game having already been in development for many years prior to the unveiling of the Big N’s latest console. What’s more is that the directors also explain that hardware capabilities came into the decision of skipping the Switch, as the developers feel the action-RPG is best suited for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

"We don't have any plans for the Switch at the moment. Part of the reason is that the title has been in development for almost 4 years. At the time we had to commit to our hardware choices, we decided on using the most powerful current generation consoles available at the time, which was PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. So [the decision was made] before the Switch was even announced or on sale.

"It's also because for every title we decide what the best fit for hardware is for the concept. We don't just look at everything. It's more like “if we want to achieve this kind of game concept, where's the best place to achieve that?” and for this title the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were the best fit for us."

While many Nintendo fans are likely disappointed to learn that Monster Hunter World won't be coming to the Switch, it doesn't necessarily mean that a port of the title couldn't be made for the Big N's platform at some point in the future. After all, it's not unheard of for developers to only release a game for certain platforms at first and then wind up making a version for an unsupported system later on down the line. In truth, the Monster Hunter title would likely sell well on the handheld/console hybrid, as would a bevy of other games that deserve Switch ports.

Should the Nintendo Switch eventually receive Monster Hunter World, though, it would likely be a much more pared down version of the game for the console, similar to how FIFA 18 for the Switch removed some features. Nevertheless, MHW fans will have to remain content with the game's current supported platforms at launch for the time being.

Monster Hunter World is set to launch on January 26, 2018 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Source: IGN