Stardew Valley Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Leaves One Feature Hanging

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Stardew Valley, a hugely popular and influential indie game, is heading to the new Nintendo Switch 2. Many Switch games have been updated for the new console since its release this summer, but this is especially noteworthy for Stardew Valley. Unlike on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game hasn’t received upgraded versions for those consoles, meaning this will be the first time players can experience enhanced graphics and performance in the beloved life simulation.

While a Switch 2 version of *Stardew Valley* might seem unusual, it’s a surprisingly big deal. This updated release won’t add any new content to the original 2016 game, but it will change *how* players experience it, and those changes are exciting. Despite these welcome and potentially groundbreaking improvements for Switch users, one feature appears to have been overlooked.

The updated version of *Stardew Valley* for Switch is coming in Fall 2025, but a precise date hasn’t been revealed yet. Best of all, the update will be available at no cost to players who already have the game.

Stardew Valley on Switch 2 Will Have a Spate of New Features, but Lacks One Worthwhile Performance Enhancement

Stardew Valley’s Switch 2 Features, Explained

The Switch 2 version of Stardew Valley will be headlined by three major new features:

  • Game Share
  • 4-player split-screen co-op
  • Mouse controls

The Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce a feature called Game Share, letting players connect their owned games locally to another Switch or Switch 2. For example, if someone has *Stardew Valley* on the Switch 2, they can play it simultaneously with a friend on a Switch, as long as both devices are on the same network. This could make games like *Stardew Valley* easier to try out and more appealing to new players who aren’t sure if they want to buy it.

Beyond the screen upgrade, two other improvements to the Switch 2 are particularly significant. Currently, Switch players are limited to online co-op with up to four players, but the upgraded Switch 2 will let up to four players enjoy local co-op in games like *Stardew Valley*, making local multiplayer much more fun. Plus, the new Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse control functionality to *Stardew Valley* on the Switch 2, bringing the gameplay experience closer to the more precise PC version that many players prefer.

Stardew Valley’s Upcoming Switch 2 Features Are Great, but 120 FPS Would Have Been a Nice Touch Too

The original Nintendo Switch received criticism for its limited processing power, and the new Switch 2 aims to address those concerns. While many are excited about the potential for demanding third-party games like *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Elden Ring*, the upgrade will also greatly improve existing games and Nintendo’s own titles. For example, *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* and other games will be able to run at a smooth 120 frames per second, whether the Switch 2 is connected to a TV or used as a handheld.

While *Stardew Valley* doesn’t have the same high-end graphics as a game like *Metroid Prime 4*, it’s surprising that the Switch 2 version won’t run at 120 frames per second (FPS) when played handheld. Higher frame rates usually improve any game, no matter how it looks. Many players would have appreciated a smoother visual experience in handheld mode, but it doesn’t seem like that will be available-at least not yet.

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2025-09-17 00:34