Playable demos for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on the Wii U system and Nintendo 3DS hand-held system are available now for free download in the Nintendo eShop.

The free single player demo will feature two full quests, one for beginner players and another for intermediate hunters, in addition to 12 different weapon options for players to choose for their battle. Players will have to brave the elements of the frozen tundra against the fierce Lagombi and take the fight against the aquatic Plesioth on land AND into the water!

Hunters are encouraged to test and hone their skills now, as the full game will hit retail stores in North America on March 19, 2013 and across Europe on March 22, 2013. The title will also be available to purchase digitally on the same dates.

In Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate , players take on the role of a hunter sent to explore a settlement within the Monster Hunter universe, completing quests on their journey to seek and slay monsters while improving their skills and earning equipment upgrades. With many challenging monsters and over 200 quests, the latest addition to the series is set to be the most expansive offering to date. The game can be played alone and offers a bevy of multiplayer set-up options: online (up to four players) on the Wii U system, or locally using up to four Nintendo 3DS systems or a combination of up to three Nintendo 3DS systems and one Wii U system.

For more information on Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate , visit http://www.facebook.com/monsterhunter

For all European media enquiries and requests about this title please contact your local Nintendo PR team.