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Monster Hunter’s Price Dilemma: Navigating the Cost Barrier in Modern Gaming Markets

This article examines the impact of high console prices on game sales, highlighting insights from Capcom's leadership regarding Monster Hunter: Wilds and modern gaming hardware. The analysis is structured to discuss market challenges and consumer behavior across different regions.

Monster Hunter: Wilds has achieved significant sales figures since its launch, largely driven by the initial excitement surrounding its debut. According to Capcom’s president, Haruhito Tsujimoto, replicating the success seen with previous titles requires sustained growth in sales numbers. However, he expressed concern that the steep pricing of current-gen consoles is limiting continuous sales momentum.

Speaking with a leading financial news outlet, Tsujimoto pointed out that the premium pricing of the PS5, which has been the top seller of Monster Hunter: Wilds, creates a substantial hurdle for many potential buyers. He detailed that the cost of the console in Japan is around 80,000 yen, and when software prices and monthly subscriptions are added, the initial investment reaches approximately 100,000 yen. This high entry cost is particularly challenging for younger audiences and is a trend observed beyond Japan as well.

In discussing contemporary hardware, Tsujimoto noted that despite the enhanced technological capabilities of modern consoles, price sensitivity remains a significant factor among gamers. He cited the example of the Nintendo Switch 2, which was released in June 2025 at a more modest price of 49,980 yen. The favorable reception of this console underscores the high level of financial awareness among consumers worldwide, as pricing varied between markets but consistently highlighted the need for affordability.

Strategically, Tsujimoto anticipates that reducing the price of Monster Hunter: Wilds over time will lead to an uptick in sales. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the possibility that many gamers might still be unable to afford the combined expense of a new console, required online memberships, and the cost of full-priced games. This situation reflects broader challenges in achieving long-term market penetration amid evolving technology and pricing trends.