Stardew Valley fans have reason to celebrate. Developer ConcernedApe has confirmed major details regarding the upcoming Switch 2 Edition of the beloved farming simulator, revealing that most players who already own the Nintendo Switch version will receive the upgraded edition for free. This announcement comes as part of September's Nintendo Direct, where Nintendo and ConcernedApe highlighted several new features designed to take advantage of the next-generation console.
Upgrades and Features for Switch 2 Edition
The Switch 2 Edition of Stardew Valley introduces several quality-of-life improvements and new gameplay options. Notably:
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Mouse support is now available via JoyCon 2, creating a control experience closer to the PC version.
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Split-screen co-op has been expanded, supporting up to four players using a single copy of the game through Nintendo's GameShare feature.
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Optimizations and subtle enhancements to graphics and performance ensure the game takes full advantage of the Switch 2’s improved hardware.
ConcernedApe emphasized that the Switch 2 Edition is intended to be a seamless transition for existing players. While most regions will receive the upgrade for free, Japanese versions may incur a minimal eShop fee due to local regulations.
A Look at Stardew Valley’s Continuing Evolution
The announcement also coincides with updates about the game’s broader development. After the release of the 1.6 update, players wondered whether ConcernedApe would slow down work on Stardew Valley to focus on Haunted Chocolatier, his next major project. However, the Switch 2 Edition confirms that Stardew Valley remains a priority, with additional improvements and content expected to roll out before the game celebrates its tenth anniversary next year.
Stardew Valley’s enduring success has helped define modern indie farming sims, influencing countless titles in the genre. Beyond farming, ConcernedApe has been involved in other notable projects, including lending voice work to Hollow Knight: Silksong and contributing to efforts around the canceled Hytale. With the Switch 2 Edition and ongoing updates, Stardew Valley continues to evolve, ensuring both longtime players and newcomers have reasons to return to Pelican Town.
Release Window
The Switch 2 Edition of Stardew Valley is expected to launch in Fall 2025, giving fans a chance to enjoy the game with new features, upgraded controls, and expanded co-op options on Nintendo’s next-generation console.
