Stardew Valley — Switch 2 Edition Launches Free Upgrade
• Free upgrade: Stardew Valley — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is now available to existing Switch owners. • New features: Mouse controls, four‑player split‑screen, eight‑player online, and GameShare support are included. • Rollout: Update is live on the US eShop; regional availability may follow. • Ongoing content: Creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has teased further 1.7 update additions, including new social content and a farm type.
Stardew Valley Switch 2 Edition is available now
Stardew Valley's Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has been released as a free upgrade for current Switch owners. The update was confirmed in a developer notice late December and is already live on the US Nintendo eShop.
If you don’t see the upgrade in your region yet, it may be rolling out regionally — you can access the US eShop version if you wish to download it immediately.
What’s new in the Switch 2 Edition
This edition brings platform‑specific enhancements designed to take advantage of Nintendo Switch 2 features. Mouse controls have been added to improve inventory management and navigation.
Local multiplayer receives an upgrade with four‑player split‑screen support, while online play expands to eight players. Nintendo’s GameShare feature is supported so players without a copy of Stardew Valley can join friends’ sessions.
Developer notes and the 1.7 update
Eric Barone, known online as ConcernedApe, previewed the Switch 2 Edition earlier in the year and has been communicating directly with the community. On social media he wrote, "I'll announce something very soon sorry about the long wait," when teasing the release window.
Barone has also outlined some of the content planned for the anticipated 1.7 update. "There will be some more character/social stuff, it's also traditional to add a new farm type. Lots more but I don't want to reveal much yet," he wrote, indicating continued post‑launch support.
How to get the upgrade
Owners of Stardew Valley on the original Nintendo Switch will see the Switch 2 Edition appear as a free update in the eShop when it reaches their region. If it’s not yet visible, check the US eShop where the build is already live.
Why it matters
Stardew Valley remains a standout indie success, and this free, platform‑specific upgrade reinforces both developer support and Nintendo’s commitment to cross‑generation play. The added control options and expanded multiplayer make it a meaningful enhancement for returning players and newcomers alike.
Expect further patches and content drops as ConcernedApe rolls out the 1.7 changes in the months ahead.
