For the Monster Hunter series’s 20th anniversary, you can raise monsters rather than hunt them with the help of some Digimon Digivices. Monster Hunter will be collaborating with Bandai and Digimon to release handheld virtual pet toys based on some of the series’s most iconic monsters.
The official Japanese Digimon Twitter account shared a look at the upcoming collaboration, which features two Digimon COLOR devices, named after the fact that their screens are in color rather than the usual black and white. The devices come in two designs: one is a red “Rathalos Color,” and the other is a blue “Zinogre Color.” Like most digital pet toys, you start raising an egg that can become one of eight different monsters, which can further branch out from there. The video in the Tweet announcement promises 36 monsters, some of which include Khezu, Rajang, Tigrex, Nargacuga, Gore Magala, and Mizutsune.
It’s safe to guess that Rathalos and Zinogre will also be part of the extensive lineup, not only because of their popularity and status as the devices’ inspirations, but because the collaboration includes two new exclusive monsters that are clear Digivolutions of them. More specifically, they are DNA Digivolutions that combine with other Digimon. The first new monster is a combination of Rathalos and Greymon named “Losgreymon,” and the second is a combination of Zinogre and Garurumon with the very appropriate name “Zinogarurumon.” All four of these monsters are well-loved, and the resulting designs are a real treat for fans of both franchises.
The Monster Hunter Digimon COLOR devices will retail for 7,700 yen (approximately US$54) and will be open for pre-orders on the Premium Bandai website. Unfortunately, these toys are currently exclusive to Japan, and it’s quite challenging to import directly from the Premium Bandai online shop. The pre-order period will be open from September 26 to October 28, during which time we can only hope the collaboration makes its way outside of Japan, because who wouldn’t want a digital monster they can raise and keep in their pocket?
