The Switch 2 edition of the Stardew Valley shadowdropped on Christmas Day, giving users who already own the original Switch version a free game upgrade for the holidays. Even if Stardew Valley originally targeted fall 2025 to release the Switch 2 Edition of the popular life-sim title, the upgrade arrived just days into winter.
Since its launch in 2016, Stardew Valley has become one of the most popular indie games of all time, with over 41 million units sold globally by the end of 2024. The game's enduring popularity is due in part to its charming pixel art style, continued updates years after launch, and wide availability on all major platforms. Some of Stardew ValleyPrevious updates have given players new in-game festivals to participate in, and various quality-of-life changes to the game's main system.
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Stardew Valley surprises 2 users with a Christmas present
Three months after Stardew ValleyThe Switch 2 Edition was revealed in a Nintendo Direct broadcast, fans who already own the Switch version can now pick up a free upgrade from Christmas Day on the Nintendo eShop. Other, Stardew Valley on Switch 2 costs $14.99, the same price as the original Switch port. Stardew Valley on the Switch 2 also takes up slightly more space than the original Switch version, as the new edition requires 2.3GB of storage, up from 1.6GB. When the Switch 2 upgrade pack for Stardew Valley has been applied by updating the game to the latest version and downloading a 3MB patch afterwards, the original Switch version will be replaced by the Switch 2 Edition on the console's main menu. Plus all before Stardew Valley game save data from the Switch version will also be available on Switch 2, allowing players to pick up where they left off.
While the Switch 2 upgrade of Stardew Valley was originally slated to launch in the fall of 2025, it remains a well-timed surprise for gamers to end the year with the arrival of Christmas Day. Even if Stardew Valley's Switch 2 Edition offers no graphical or framerate upgrades to the gameplay experience, the new port comes with some exclusive features compared to its predecessor. This includes support for mouse mode with the Joy-Con 2 controllers, support for local split-screen co-op with up to four players on the same screen, and online multiplayer via Nintendo Switch Online which can support up to eight players on a single file. Additionally, GameShare can be used by up to three nearby Switch and Switch 2 consoles to join local co-op, even if they don't already own the game. However, GameShare requires the host Switch 2 console to be able to purchase and download the Switch 2 version of the Stardew Valley in advance.
What's next for Stardew Valley?
Fans are looking for news about Stardew Valleys plans for its upcoming 10th anniversary will have to wait a little longer. Even if Stardew Valleys 1.7 content update is still in development as of this writing, the game's creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, hasn't revealed too many details about it. ConcernedApe stated in September that it could still be some time before that Stardew Valley version 1.7 is ready, and that he wanted to avoid sending information prematurely. However, ConcernedApe added that he wanted to avoid the staggered launch that Stardew ValleyThe 1.6 update had, as it was released on PC in March 2024 before coming to consoles and mobile devices eight months later.
Also, another popular indie game, Among usis hosting a limited-time crossover event with Stardew Valley. Among us players have until February 18, 2026 to complete Stardew Valley Cosmicube, which will give players different cosmetics themed around characters like Abigail, Sebastian and Lewis. All in all, Stardew ValleyThe Christmas launch on Switch 2 is a sure sign that the game isn't slowing down.
- Released
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February 26, 2016
- ESRB
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E for All (fantasy violence, mild blood, mild language, simulated gambling, use of alcohol and tobacco)
- Developer
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Worried Ape
- Publisher
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Worried Ape
