Eight months after the Switch 2 version of Stardew Valley was launched digitally, a bodily version of the improve has popped up at Fangamer.
The bodily Switch 2 version, which is listed at $39, may not be essentially the most worthwhile buy for anybody who already owns the OG. It technically contains the unique Switch model of the sport, which is nearly all the time under $35 on Amazon, and the in any other case free Switch 2 upgrade pack.
As somebody who doesn’t have a bodily version of the sport, nonetheless, I am feeling very inclined. What you’re actually paying these $5 additional for is a stunning cartridge and the brand new Switch 2 packaging. 5 years in the past I’d have mentioned that’s a fairly foolish factor to cough up a couple additional bucks for, however in 2026, I’ve nothing however reward for any dedication to bodily media.
Stardew Valley – Switch 2 Edition (Physical)
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The Switch 2 version of Stardew Valley is presently out there for preorder from Fangamer, Goal, and Finest Purchase. All retailers have the sport listed at $39.99 with a launch date of February 5, 2026.
Some Reddit users are already theorizing that date might line up with the discharge of Replace 1.7, however that appears a little far-fetched. The Fangamer listing confirms the Switch 2 version contains the 1.6 replace of the sport, with future free updates “out there to obtain as they’re launched.”
Whereas Fangamer notes the ultimate product might look completely different from the mock-up, I feel we are able to belief the principle strokes. The itemizing reveals a variation of the OG’s field artwork, with the identical farm and animals however in a lighter, extra pastel colour scheme, which might be reversed to point out off a “Joja-themed” cowl. It additionally comes with an 18-page guidebook, presumably the identical one as the present Switch model.
Stardew, which was initially launched on Steam in 2016, bought its first bodily launch for the Xbox One and PS4 a yr later. That Switch version, which additionally produced in collaboration with Fangamer, was launched as each a Standard and a Deluxe edition again in 2020.
The brand new Switch 2 version appears to solely be getting the Commonplace remedy. For now, at the very least. If you happen to do need all the extra Deluxe edition goodies, there’s nothing stopping you from grabbing that for the OG Switch after which getting the Switch 2 improve pack for free through the Nintendo Store.
I’ve already purchased Stardew digitally on my PC and Switch, and I’m nonetheless undoubtedly contemplating grabbing the bodily launch for Switch 2. Possibly I am significantly susceptible to money grabs lately, however simply a few years in the past I used to be 100% side-eyeing a sure Bethesda recreation for getting a million completely different editions.
The truth is the bodily media panorama has shifted dramatically in the previous decade, and any launch on disc or cartridge appears to take specific… dedication. PlayStation, citing the continued shift to digital purchases, has dedicated to abandoning discs altogether.
Nintendo, alternatively, not too long ago reported that nearly 40% of purchases of its video games are nonetheless from bodily editions. The truth is that I’m prepared to make use of the scraps in my pockets to assist that.
Within the case of Stardew, a solo-developed masterpiece that’s constantly gotten updates over the course of 10 years, I’m much more open to celebrating (and investing in) that preservation.
Stardew Valley not too long ago celebrated its tenth anniversary. We re-reviewed the sport again in 2024, giving the comfortable masterpiece a well-deserved 10/10. We additionally bought the prospect to take a seat down with creator Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) earlier this yr to be taught extra in regards to the unbiased developer’s journey to now and what he plans for Stardew going ahead.
Whereas there’s nonetheless no actual launch date, we all know a little about what to anticipate from the subsequent main Stardew replace, 1.7, together with two new marriage candidates. The developer has additionally confirmed he’s “nonetheless grinding” on his subsequent standalone recreation, Haunted Chocolatier.
Blythe (she/her) is an Viewers Improvement Coordinator at IGN who spends approach an excessive amount of time in character customization screens and monitoring down collectibles.