Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has shared important details about the game’s upcoming move to the new Switch 2. This will be great news for many players, as Barone confirmed that most people who already own the game on the original Nintendo Switch will get the new version for free. This is a significant development for the farming simulation game, which has kept a loyal player base for years and is now ready to expand on new hardware. The only exception to this free upgrade is for players in Japan, where legal rules require the game to be sold at the lowest possible price.
The new Switch 2 edition is not just a port; it will bring new features that improve the gameplay experience. Barone mentioned that the updated version will offer mouse support, available through the new Joy-Con 2 controllers. This feature aims to make the console experience more like the PC version, which fans have asked for. Additionally, the edition will allow four-player split-screen co-op, so friends can play together on a single console with just one copy of the game. This will be possible thanks to a GameShare feature, which is a handy and player-friendly addition. The game is set for release in the fall of 2025.
Besides the new console edition, Barone also updated fans on the game’s ongoing development. He confirmed that a new patch, version 1.7, is in progress after the major 1.6 update released earlier this year. This news eases worries among fans who were concerned that future updates might be delayed as Barone turns his attention to his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. This ongoing support shows his dedication to the game and its community.
As it approaches its tenth anniversary next year, Stardew Valley remains a beloved and impactful title in the indie gaming world. Barone’s work on the game has established him as a key figure in the industry, with influence extending to other projects, such as voice work for Hollow Knight: Silksong and a rumored tie to the revival of the canceled game Hytale. With the new Switch 2 edition coming soon and more updates planned, the farming classic shows no signs of slowing down.
