Earlier this week, we got more information on the Monster Rancher port coming to Nintendo Switch and smartphones, focused on the three new features being added to enhance the gameplay of the original game. [Thanks, 4Gamer!]

CD Database

In the original game, monsters born are decided via the game’s database of monsters, and what CD you put in. In the port, you’ll be able to choose what monster you want even if you don’t own the CDs (especially since none of the platforms use CD formats).

By entering keywords such as CD titles or the artist (or choosing random), you can find the CD data from over 500,000 monsters in order to create the monster. The disc stones to create the monsters will drop when you open the game, or when you win random battles.

Versus Mode

You can search up your friend’s monsters and battle them. For the Nintendo Switch version, you can play versus easily just by setting up a 2P controller.

Optional Autosave

The port has an optional autosave feature that you can swap to if you wish. Choose what option you want based on your playstyle.

Monster Rancher releases for iOS and Android in Japan on November 28, 2019, and for Nintendo Switch on December 19, 2019 for 1,960 yen.