PSA: Monster Hunter Rise – Sunbreak is digital-only on Switch
Monster Hunter Rise will be available on Nintendo Switch. It’s not a physical version. This has been known technically for a while. As we get closer to the release of the total expansion, it is worth noting the fine print on the physical copy. Monster Hunter Rise can be purchased on a cartridge, and you can still pre-order a physical package. Sunbreak cannot be included in the cart. You can only download the expansion.
The box says, “Includes a Monster Hunter Rise game card and a download coupon for the Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak expansion.” The image below shows you how it looks. While most players won’t notice this and know what to expect at this point, we thought it worth noting that you should not throw out any inserts that come with the game. This is most likely the voucher that came with the expansion code. This code must be entered in the “Redeem Code” section of the Nintendo eShop.
Although you might not be able to see the slip of paper in the box, you can still be forgiven. You can’t get physical copies of games. This is a problem that goes far beyond the need to be able to download the same game you purchased from a physical shop shelf. Your purchase doesn’t give you much in the way of value. Any paper found inside is often a little bit of warranty information or disclaimer garbage that quickly goes to the trash.
In this day and age, it is not surprising. It is, however, a little disappointing. The issue of a download-only expansion is a problem with Nintendo hardware in particular. The company is currently preventing you from purchasing games for the 3DS or Wii U. Sunbreak won’t be available for purchase until the Switch experiences the same fate.
Given the importance of expansions (or traditionally expanded editions) to Monster Hunter gaming, Monster Hunter Rise will not be available. Officially, it won’t be available on Nintendo hardware. Steam is also available for the game. The Stream Deck is also open if you can purchase one. It runs flawlessly on the hardware, I can also confirm. As the world changes, that storefront may eventually close.
Switch cartridges are a particular problem. My small Switch carts are kept in a carry case. This creates a portable, self-contained package that allows me to take the whole ecosystem along with me. Perhaps it’s because I” donate” my original Game Boy Color and its games to my little brother. That thing was a favorite of his. He could carry it in his backpack to get to grade school. It’s a sentimental thing of mine, I know. Sunbreak, a massive expansion that requires more work to fit onto the same cartridge as Monster Hunter Rise, is quite a task. The download will take up 13GB of space from your Switch or MicroSD card. Clear out space before you need it — especially if you are a parent who might be giving the gift to monster murder as a birthday present. No one likes to wait for downloads or data management.
