Digimon Monster Hunter virtual pets allow you to raise your own Rathalo

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Monster Hunter is meeting up with Digimon to bring you one of the coolest pieces of official Monster Hunter merchandise we’ve ever seen: Monster Hunter-themed Digimon virtual pets. This crossover makes a lot of sense, which we can’t say about the upcoming Monster Hunter-inspired Fender Telecaster electric guitar (though it looks awesome).

There are two Monster Hunter V-Pet Color devices available, and both are themed after iconic Monster Hunter creatures: a red device based on Rathalo and a blue device featuring Zinogre. Both monsters also have unique variants that combine them with the classic Digimon, with Rathalos fusing with Digimon Greymon to become RathalosGreymon, and Zinogre and Garurumon becoming ZinoGarurumon. These special forms can be obtained through pet breeding mini-games and battles available on your device.

You can collect and upgrade over 30 other monsters in the game, including other Monster Hunter creatures such as Mizutsune, Rajaang, Nargacuga, Tigrex, Gore Magala, and Khezu. Like other V-Pet Color devices, these measure approximately 1.75 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide and feature full-color mini LCD screens, buttons, and speakers. You can pre-order Monster Hunter V-Pets for $100 each at the Big Bad Toy Store. We expect pre-orders to appear at other retailers soon. Both models are scheduled to appear on the market in February next year.

• Monster Hunter x Digimon V-Pet Color – Rathalos – $100
• Monster Hunter x Digimon V-Pet Color – Zinogre – $100

Yes, they are Very expensive little gadgets – V-Pets with full-color displays cost much more than regular V-Pets with inexpensive, low-pixel LCD displays. They are also quite rare in North America. On Amazon, you can buy a Japanese imported V-Pet with a full-color screen for $105 from sellers (this model was $70 at launch).

For those unfamiliar with V-Pet devices, electronic keychain games where pets are raised were the origins of the Digimon series. Nowadays, Digimon is best known for its anime, collectible card games, and video game adaptations, but the series began in the late 1990s with the Digital Monster line of virtual pets. Later renamed Digimon V-Pets, the keychain toy was launched shortly after Bandai’s other popular virtual pet: the Tamagotchi. Instead of simply resurrecting small alien creatures, V-Pet monsters are resurrected to fight – both in-game and against other players.

If you want to raise a monster for battle without spending $100, you can purchase a modern version of the original on Amazon for less than $15.

Digimon virtual animals

Tamagotchi virtual pets

Bandai also revitalized the Tamagotchi in a big way, adding several different crossovers with popular franchises.

Monster Hunter Wilds, the next game in Capcom’s popular action RPG series, will be released on February 28, 2025. Check out GameSpot’s pre-order guide for details on the various editions and pre-order bonuses.