Koei Tecmo details Wild Hearts S contents and feature differences with the original Wild Hearts release

Koei Tecmo has detailed the differences between the original Wild Hearts release and the upcoming Wild Hearts S Nintendo Switch 2 release going over features, content, account requirements, and more.

In the original announcement, Koei Tecmo already confirmed that there will be four player co-op in Wild Hearts S compard to three player co-op in the current version of Wild Hearts on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Today's new comparison post reveals that the Karakuri Edition content will be included from the start in Wild Hearts S. Wild Hearts S will also not support crossplay with existing versions of the game, but it will be playable without an EA Account. You will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online multiplayer, but local multiplayer will be usable without a subscription. 

Koei Tecmo also confirmed that mouse controls will not be supported and that while it doesn't include in-built voice or text chat, you can use the Game Chat feature on Nintendo Switch 2. It is also listed as a digital-only release on the Koei Tecmo America website.

Wild Hearts is now availabe for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (EA, Steam, Epic). Wild Hearts S launches on July 25 for Nintendo Switch 2. Read James' review of Wild Hearts here from its launch on PC.

You can find all the version differences between Wild Hearts S and the original Wild Hearts from Koei Tecmo below:

Gameplay

• The maximum number of players for both online and local play has been increased from 3 to 4 players.
  • Cross-platform multiplayer is not supported.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) required for online play. An EA account is not necessary.
• The product does not include voice chat or text chat features. (You can utilize the "Game Chat" feature available on Nintendo Switch™ 2.)
• The update of additional beasts and modes in “WILD HEARTS” is included from the start.
• This product does not include additional weapons, Karakuri, or beasts.

Balance Adjustments

• Adjusted the parameters of specific weapons and armor, making it easier to challenge high-difficulty bosses in the early stages by optimizing relevant equipment.
• Modified the mechanics of how beasts escape based on damage and also reduced frequency of their escapes.

Karakuri Edition

• The following bonuses included in the　“WILD HEARTS Karakuri Edition” will be included in “WILD HEARTS S”.
  • ■Two full cosmetic armor sets
  • ■One decorative Tsukumo lantern
  • ■Three emotes

• The upcoming release of "WILD HEARTS S" on the Nintendo Switch 2 system is developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. For inquiries related to this product, please contact KOEI TECMO GAMES customer service. If you have a query about WILD HEARTS (released 2/17/23), please contact EA Help.

Regarding usage of this game

• Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) required for online play.
• Local multiplayer is also available. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for local play.
• The in-game language can be switched, regardless of the language settings of the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
• Cross-platform multiplayer is not supported.
• Mouse controls are not supported when using Joy-Con™ 2.
• GameShare is not supported.