A Capcom insider told a Japanese magazine that the reason behind the delay of Monster Hunter 4 on the 3DS was that the team were also working on a Vita version for simultaneous release. A Capcom executive has since denied the rumour saying, “I would not believe everything you read on the internet. It will set you up for disappointment or misdirected frustration.”

Well, this wouldn’t be the first time a rumour that turned out to be true was denied by a publisher. Seeing as the series has sold over 21 million games, we’re frankly surprised there hasn’t already been an announcement of a Monster Hunter Vita game. Capcom could do with the financial boost too seeing as sales of Resi 6 failed to meet expectations.

While only moderately successful in the West, the series is huge in Japan, a real system seller. If Capcom aren’t bringing MH4 to the Vita, it’s highly likely they’re working on a standalone MH Vita game. The additional graphical grunt and a second analogue stick provided by the Vita would allow Sony to gain some ground on the 3DS and show other third-party publishers that the handheld is worth investing in.