Stardew Valley, the acclaimed farming and life simulation game developed by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, is set to receive a Nintendo Switch 2 edition this fall. The updated release introduces several new features tailored to the capabilities of Nintendo Switch 2 while keeping the upgrade process simple for existing fans.
According to Barone, players who already own Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch will be able to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition at no cost. The only exception is Japan, where local laws require even free upgrades to carry a small fee. “I wanted the upgrade to be free for everyone, but I was told definitively that this is the case. Maybe I can make it up to the Japanese players some day,” Barone explained on social media.
The Switch 2 Edition comes with support for mouse controls, a notable addition for players who prefer greater precision in managing tools and farm layouts. Multiplayer also sees improvements, with four-player split-screen co-op replacing the two-player limit of the original Switch release. Online functionality expands further, allowing up to eight players to connect. Thanks to GameShare, up to four friends can join in even if only one person owns the game.
Performance has also been addressed, with Barone noting that while the game may seem easy to run, situations involving heavy calculations can strain the system. The Switch 2 Edition smooths out these scenarios, making it a more stable experience. Importantly, owners of both the Switch and Switch 2 versions will be able to play online together, avoiding the fragmentation that often comes with cross-generation updates.
Beyond these enhancements, Stardew Valley continues to thrive as one of the most influential indie titles in modern gaming. Originally launched in 2016, the game has sold more than 41 million copies worldwide and remains a key figure in the resurgence of the farming simulation genre. Its blend of open-ended farming, relationship-building, and exploration has earned widespread critical acclaim and long-term community support.
While the Switch 2 Edition provides platform-specific improvements, new content and broader quality-of-life updates will arrive through the upcoming version 1.7 patch, which is planned for all platforms. As Barone confirmed, those additions will not be exclusive to the Switch 2 release.
With a fall 2025 release date, Nintendo fans have only a short wait before setting off once again into the valley, this time with new ways to cultivate their virtual farm life.
