Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Wii U to get off-TV GamePad and cross-region support

Capcom today sent over a few new screens of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for the Wii U, this time focusing on the Wii U GamePad experience that will be patched in with an update post-launch.

The update will also allow for cross-region play between Europe and North America.

Take a look.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Wii U GamePad screens:

Capcom today confirmed that following the release of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Nintendo’s Wii U system on March 19, a software update will be released a month later (in April) as a response to community feedback.

The software update will add online cross-region functionality, allowing North American and European gamers to play together online in up to four-player battles*. Monster Hunters will also be able to play the game using just the Wii U GamePad without the need for a TV screen as the software update makes the title compatible with off-TV play.

Capcom will be continuing to support Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for several months after release with additional free of charge downloadable quests. The first quest will be available at launch.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate releases across North America on March 19, 2013 for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, at retail as well as in the Nintendo eShop.

*Online play for gamers in North America and Europe will be completely free to play, although broadband Internet charges still apply.

North American gamers can start their hunt on March 19th, either by picking up a retail copy or downloading it, on either platform, from the Nintendo eShop.