Nintendo Missing Out on Big Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier Updates

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Although many independent games have been confirmed to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s disappointing that there hasn’t been any news from developer ConcernedApe regarding Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier, considering how well-suited these games could be for the Nintendo Switch 2. Even though the recent Nintendo Direct presentation showcased new features, hardware, and launch titles for the Switch 2, it also highlighted numerous indie game announcements such as Deltarune, Enter the Gungeon 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Regrettably, Stardew Valley for the Switch 2 or an update for Haunted Chocolatier were not mentioned in these announcements.

It’s not really shocking, given that Eric “ConcernedApe” works alone as a one-man team in the indie development world, but it appears Nintendo has missed out on some potential Switch 2 titles. With the recent emphasis on social features like Camera, Game Chat, and GameShare in the Switch 2’s new Direct, it would have been fitting for Nintendo to include Stardew Valley in their lineup. Although it’s highly probable that Stardew Valley and even Haunted Chocolatier will eventually arrive on the Switch 2, a confirmation of this would have been advantageous for ConcernedApe and his fanbase.

Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier Belong On The Switch 2

In contrast to the popular and critically-adored indie game, Stardew Valley, it seems somewhat peculiar that its inspiration, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, has been confirmed for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, while Stardew Valley itself has yet to be announced for the new console. This is intriguing given that Harvest Moon served as a significant influence on the creation of Stardew Valley.

Moreover, it appears there may be a lack of foresight since Stardew Valley is already accessible on the Switch, and Nintendo has stated some Switch games will receive free online updates for the Switch 2. Surprisingly, however, Stardew Valley does not seem to be among these titles set to receive such updates.

As a gamer, I can imagine how much more engaging and immersive playing Stardew Valley on the Switch 2 could be. With its potential backward compatibility, it’s a missed opportunity not to take advantage of the latest social features that the Switch 2 offers.

For instance, the improved design and mouse functionality of the new Joy-Cons 2 could provide PC-like controls for players, making gameplay even smoother. Additionally, the GameChat and Camera peripherals could significantly boost Stardew Valley’s existing multiplayer mode, creating a more interactive experience among friends.

Even though it might not be among the Switch games getting all-new Switch 2 Editions like SoS: Grand Bazaar, an enhanced version of this indie farming sim could have been a strong incentive for gamers to upgrade to the new console and enjoy a more optimized Stardew Valley experience.

Confirming Stardew Valley For The Switch 2 Could Have Helped Haunted Chocolatier

Instead of just announcing Stardew Valley for the Switch 2, also hinting at Haunted Chocolatier could have offered clarity on ConcernedApe’s other game. In his recent blog posts, Barone has been open about focusing more on Stardew Valley than Haunted Chocolatier. However, he has maintained that Haunted Chocolatier isn’t canceled. Thus, although a major announcement for ConcernedApe’s next game might not have been feasible for the Switch 2’s Direct, revealing both Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier in a similar manner to how IO Interactive unveiled Hitman: World of Assassination and Project 007 could have given players anticipating news some reassurance.

After Hollow Knight: Silksong’s Switch 2 Announcement, Haunted Chocolatier Needs An Update

Beyond this point, the absence of updates for Stardew Valley or Haunted Chocolatier stands out more prominently when compared to Silksong’s sudden reveal in the recent Direct. Given that Silksong was another indie game seemingly stalled during development after its initial 2019 announcement, the news of Silksong’s long-overdue release this year could potentially place Haunted Chocolatier in a tough spot if it continues to take time for its own development. While the struggles of being a solo developer should be recognized, the prospect of a Silksong update on Switch 2 serves as a reminder of the ground ConcernedApe needs to make up between Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier on the Switch 2.

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2025-04-10 03:34