Review

Monster Hunter XX Online Play Guide for 2026

  • Updated January 6, 2026
  • Petra Hoffmann
  • 9 comments

Nintendo shut down the servers, but the hunt doesn’t have to end. Here is how to play MHXX online in 2026 using custom firmware.

For many of us, the New 2DS XL remains the ultimate portable hunting machine. In 2023, I jailbroke my console to play Monster Hunter XX (the Japanese version of Generations Ultimate) with an English patch. It was a golden era where I could transfer my Generations save and hunt EX Deviants with friends.

However, since Nintendo officially discontinued 3DS online services in April 2024, reactivating that online functionality might feel impossible. You load up the Hunters Hub, try to connect, and get an error code.

If you are staring at your G-Rank permits, dreading the prospect of soloing a Bloodbath Diablos with only your Palicoes, don’t give up. The online community is not dead; it just moved underground.

The Reality: Official Servers vs. Pretendo

The “brief window” of crossplay and official connectivity you missed is indeed gone. The official Nintendo Network is offline. However, the homebrew community has built a replacement called Pretendo Network.

Since you already have a jailbroken (CFW) 3DS, you are 90% of the way there.

How to Get Back Online

You do not need to move to the Nintendo Switch to finish your hunt. Here is the modern workflow for 2026:

  1. Install Nimbus: This is a homebrew application that allows you to switch your 3DS’s connection profile from “Nintendo” (Dead) to “Pretendo” (Alive).

  2. Create a Pretendo ID: This replaces your Nintendo Network ID (NNID).

  3. Patch the Game: Pretendo automatically redirects most traffic, but for games like Monster Hunter XX, the community is active.

By switching to Pretendo, you can once again search for Hubs. While the population is smaller than in 2017, the players remaining are hardcore veterans dedicated to finishing those exact EX Deviant quests.

What About Crossplay with Switch (MHGU)?

You mentioned a “crossplay feature” that was available in 2024. To clarify: Monster Hunter XX (3DS) and Generations Ultimate (Switch) never officially supported crossplay, only save data transfer.

However, there was a community-made plugin (Cheats/Mod) that allowed 3DS users to trick the server into letting them join Switch lobbies.

  • Status in 2026: This is technically complex and highly unstable. It often results in desyncs because the Switch version runs at a higher resolution and slightly different logic.

  • My Advice: Stick to 3DS-to-3DS play via Pretendo. The connection is stable, and you won’t risk corrupting your precious save file.

The “Solo” Alternative: Is it Viable?

If you cannot find a lobby on Pretendo at your specific timezone, you are left with the solo option.

  • The Challenge: Unlike Monster Hunter World or Rise, the Hub Quests in MHXX do not scale based on player count. A G5 Deviant quest has the same HP whether you are 1 player or 4 players.

  • The Mindset: Soloing EX Deviants is considered the peak of Monster Hunter mastery. It is frustrating, yes, but if you optimize your Palico builds (Healing + Traps) and min-max your armor set, it is mathematically possible.

Conclusion

Don’t let your 3DS gather dust. The hardware is still capable, and the homebrew community is keeping the servers alive. Update your CFW, install Nimbus, and post on the Pretendo Discord to find a hunting party. That EX Bloodbath Diablos won’t slay itself.

Are you still playing on 3DS or have you migrated to Switch? Let me know in the comments.

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9 Comments

  3. I checked with Pretendo about this. Their goal is to support every game on their servers, but the chance of them working on Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate in the near future is very low.

    The main reasons are that the game is already playable on the Switch, and their team is focused on several other titles. I believe they are only just getting Monster Hunter 4 working on their servers, and I’m not sure about the status of Monster Hunter 3.

    I was hoping to play MHGU on Pretendo as well, especially since I’m a big fan of Prowler mode and wanted to play online with my Palico again.

    For clarity, this applies to all versions of MHGU, including XX.

  4. I was able to play MHXX online on my 3DS with players from both MHGU and MHXX, which was a great experience. People were often surprised I was on a 3DS.

    At the time, the English patch had significant issues, and event quests would crash the game due to MHXX having exclusive content. This meant you had to farm special charms solo.

    Overall, it was fun, and I really wish online play could return.

      1. XX on 3DS has crossplay with the Switch version by default. A cheat code can redirect the connection to the GU server. However, this was before the 3DS online servers shut down. Currently, you’ll need to wait for Pretendo to add support.

  5. I’m currently playing XX on my 3DS and would love for Pretendo to restore online play, whether cross-play or not, but there’s no capability for that at the moment.

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