Nintendo unveils the very first special edition Switch console

Nintendo has been off to a racing start with its new hybrid mobile/home console. The Switch has been putting record breaking numbers on the board, due in large part to the somewhat notable launch lineup of software headlined by Breath of the Wild. But the company will need to keep it coming if it is to sustain its initial success. More products and software to support the new console’s eco-system is a must and today we are getting a look at the first IP-specific special edition Switch…

It was big news for long-time fans of the franchise when Nintendo announced the Monster Hunter series would be making its way onto the new hybrid console. And now we are getting a glimpse of the very first special edition Nintendo Switch the company has announced.

The images shown off here come courtesy of fan site Japanese Nintendo and are the first good look we are getting of the new Switch. As you can see the tribal markings familiar to the series adorn the handheld console itself, along with the docking station. We are also getting a nice rounded Monster Hunter XX logo along the back of the Switch. All-in-all subtle, this is actually a nice take for me. These limited/special edition console bundles are usually way over the top and a bit silly looking in my opinion. The design adds some simple flair to the otherwise flat looking console and won’t look entirely ridiculous in the living room.

Only problem is, like Monster Hunter XX itself, you probably can’t have one. At this point, both the game and the new special edition Switch have only been confirmed for Japan. This is not surprising considering the insane level of popularity the series has garnered in the region over the years, but it is a little disconcerting from this side of the pond nonetheless.

It would almost be silly for Nintendo not to bring Monster Hunter XX to North America and Europe. The Switch needs more software and XX is essentially just an enhanced/remade version of a Monster Hunter game that has already been localized for Western audiences (Monster Hunter Generations). Hurry up Nintendo.

That console on the other hand. Well, I got nothing here. It will more than likely never come stateside, which is a shame, but not all that surprising. Either way Nintendo is certainly prepared to give Switch the limited edition makeover, so you can expect something like this down the line. And if you must have it, the Switch isn’t region locked so it might be possible at a premium.

In the meantime, there are some absolutely fantastic Monster Hunter games available for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. And here is our complete review of the Switch.