Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition released on 6 March 2026, according to Nintendo UK. If you already own Stardew Valley for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo says you can upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition with a free upgrade pack. The new edition is for Nintendo Switch 2 and adds mouse controls, local split-screen for up to four players, online multiplayer for up to eight, and GameShare.
Is the Stardew Valley Switch 2 upgrade free?
Yes, if you already own Stardew Valley on Nintendo Switch: Nintendo announced a free upgrade pack for existing owners. That offer is an upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition, not a free copy of the game for people who do not own it. Check your regional Nintendo eShop listing for the pack and its availability; the official pages reviewed do not establish one redemption process or identical regional eligibility everywhere. Nintendo’s September 2025 announcement initially gave a fall 2025 launch window, while Nintendo UK’s current listing gives 6 March 2026 for both the edition and upgrade pack.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch) | $33.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61q+3LXDcGL._SL160_.jpg)
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Stardew Valley [Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition] | $32.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5169YeVCjKL._SL160_.jpg)
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Stardew Valley - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $14.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
How do I get the Stardew Valley Switch 2 Edition?
- On your Nintendo Switch 2, open the Nintendo eShop for your region.
- Find the Stardew Valley – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition listing and check for its upgrade pack.
- If you own Stardew Valley for Nintendo Switch, follow the eShop’s regional instructions to claim the free pack. The reviewed Nintendo sources do not specify a universal step-by-step redemption flow.
Nintendo lists the edition for Nintendo Switch 2. General compatibility with older Switch software does not mean this Switch 2 Edition runs on the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s compatibility guidance distinguishes Switch 2 games from compatible Nintendo Switch software and notes that some older games receive updates or paid upgrades.
What does the Switch 2 version add?
- Mouse controls: Nintendo says mouse-style input makes placing furniture and organizing inventory easier.
- Local split-screen: Play with up to four people on one system.
- Online multiplayer: Nintendo lists support for up to eight players online.
- GameShare: The owner can invite up to three friends who do not own the game, subject to the feature’s requirements and availability.
Nintendo’s US listing also gives download sizes of 1.5 GB for the Nintendo Switch listing and 2.2 GB for the Switch 2 listing. Those are store-listed file sizes, not evidence of improved frame rate, resolution, loading speed, or visual quality. See Nintendo’s US product listing for its regional feature details.
#1 Best Overall
- Create the farm of your dreams: build your farm from the ground up on 1 of 5 map layouts suited to your play style!
- mmaster your branching skills: raise animals, grow crops, start an orchard and build useful machines!
- become a part of the local community: get to know all 30+ residents of Pelican town!
- customize your farmer: there are hundreds of character customization options to choose from!
- settle down and start a family: share life on the farm with 1 of 12 characters you can date and marry, and even have children with!.explore vast, mysterious caves! Encounter dangerous monsters and valuable treasures!.spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the local fishing spots: the waters are teeming with seasonal varieties of delicious fish. Craft bait, bobbers, and crab pots to help you in your journey toward catching every fish and becoming a local Legend!.
Can I play Stardew Valley with four people on one Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo lists local split-screen for up to four players. That is the option for playing together on one console; the separately listed online mode supports up to eight players.
Can friends play with GameShare if they do not own the game?
Nintendo says GameShare lets the owner invite up to three friends who do not own Stardew Valley. Online GameShare requires an internet connection, a Nintendo Account, Nintendo Switch Online membership, and GameChat. Nintendo also notes that terms and country availability apply, so check the local listing and service terms before relying on it. GameShare provides invited access; it is not a free copy for each friend.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Original Switch release vs. Switch 2 Edition
| Feature | Nintendo Switch release | Nintendo Switch 2 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade for existing owners | Existing owners are eligible for the free upgrade pack Nintendo announced. | Claim the pack through the regional eShop; exact availability and redemption steps may vary. |
| Mouse controls | Not listed for the original release in the cited Nintendo product information. | Listed by Nintendo for furniture placement and inventory organization. |
| Local play | Not stated in the cited listings for the original release. | Up to four players in local split-screen. |
| Online play | Not stated in the cited listings for the original release. | Up to eight players online. |
| GameShare | Not stated for the original release in the cited listings. | Owner can invite up to three friends, subject to service requirements and availability. |
| Required console | Nintendo Switch. | Nintendo Switch 2. |
The cited Nintendo pages do not establish a separate physical-cartridge edition. They also do not substantiate performance or graphics improvements, so the clear reasons to choose the Switch 2 Edition are its listed input and multiplayer features.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #3
- You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life.
- Now with Multiplayer! Invite 1-3 players to join you in the valley! Players can work together to build a thriving farm, share resources, and build relationships with townspeople or each other.
- New Single Player Content! Including the new Winter Market Festival, more collectibles, added character cut-scenes and even hats for your horse!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
