The game contains more first-person shooter aspects than the previous titles in the "Metroid Prime" series, with the removal of assisted aiming, more action-oriented gameplay, and various multiplayer modes. It was created to utilize the Nintendo DS hardware, such as Wi-Fi and voice chat capabilities, and introduced other bounty hunters with unique weapons and alternative forms. "Metroid Prime Hunters" was announced by Nintendo at the 2004 Electronic Entertainment Expo. A pack-in demo version of the game, titled "Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt", was included with the Nintendo DS when it launched in November 2004.