JAPAN: Monster Hunter fever returns

Whilst its appeal in the West can probably still best be described as niche, the Monster Hunter series seemingly has no limits in Japan as the latest instalment has again secured best-selling status.

Monster Hunter Portable 2G has already sold over a million copies in Capcom’s native Japan after just six days on sale. Its success sees the franchise’s total sales hit 6.3 million worldwide.

The series began life on PS2 in 2004, and later received an upgrade, dubbed Monster Hunter G. The first PSP version, named Monster Hunter Freedom in the West, arrived in Japan in late 2005, and was followed by a sequel last year – this new 2G offering is an update of that game.

And third outing for the series was previously announced as being in development for PS3, though Capcom later decided to switch the title to Nintendo’s Wii console.

Monster Hunter Portable 2G is yet to be confirmed for Europe.