Despite the range of indie games confirmed to be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, the lack of an update from developer ConcernedApe seems like a missed opportunity, especially when games like Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier could be perfect for Nintendo's next console. Even though the latest Nintendo Direct focused on the newest features, hardware, and launch titles for the Switch 2, it also included significant announcements for several indie games, like Deltarune, Enter the Gungeon 2, and even Hollow Knight: Silksong. Yet, missing from this list was confirmation of Stardew Valley for the Switch 2 or a potential update for Haunted Chocolatier.
Though this may not be surprising, considering that Eric "ConcernedApe," unlike most indie developers, is only a one-man team, it still seems like Nintendo has overlooked games that could have been ideal for the Switch 2. Given that the recent Direct also emphasized the Switch 2's new social features, such as its Camera, Game Chat, and GameShare, Nintendo should have at least endeavored to bring Stardew Valley to the Switch 2. But while it's more than likely that Stardew Valley and even Haunted Chocolatier will eventually be released on the Switch 2, an update confirming this could have benefited both ConcernedApe and fans of its games.
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Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier Belong On The Switch 2
As one of the best-selling and highly acclaimed indie games, Stardew Valley is arguably the perfect game for Nintendo and its ongoing commitment to social and family-friendly gaming. However, there's a certain irony when Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar has been confirmed for the Switch 2 but not Stardew Valley, given that Harvest Moon was a key inspiration behind the indie game. But there's also a sense of shortsightedness since Stardew Valley is already available on the Switch, yet despite Nintendo's claims that some Switch games will receive free online updates for the Switch 2, Stardew Valley is not among them.
Beyond its potential backwards compatibility as a Switch game, Stardew Valley could have capitalized on the latest social features with the Switch 2. For example, the improved design and mouse functionality of the new Joy-Cons 2 could offer PC-like controls for players, and its GameChat and Camera peripherals could enhance Stardew Valley's existing multiplayer mode for a more immersive experience. Even if Stardew Valley isn't among the list of Switch games to receive all-new Switch 2 Editions like SoS: Grand Bazaar, an enhanced version of the indie farming sim could have incentivized players to upgrade to the new console.
Confirming Stardew Valley For The Switch 2 Could Have Helped Haunted Chocolatier
However, confirming Stardew Valley for the Switch 2 could have helped reaffirm the uncertain status of ConcernedApe's other game, Haunted Chocolatier. In recent blog posts, Barone has been candid about favoring the development of Stardew Valley over Haunted Chocolatier, but he has claimed that the game hasn't been shelved just yet. Therefore, while a major update about ConcernedApe's next game wouldn't have been possible for the Switch 2's Direct, confirming Stardew Valley for the Switch 2 and then teasing Haunted Chocolatier alongside it, akin to IO Interactive's Hitman: World of Assassination and Project 007 reveals, could have reassured players hoping for news.
After Hollow Knight: Silksong's Switch 2 Announcement, Haunted Chocolatier Needs An Update
In addition to this, the lack of any Switch 2 updates for Stardew Valley or Haunted Chocolatier especially can be felt more keenly in contrast with Silksong's surprise appearance during the recent Direct. As another indie game that appeared stuck in development limbo following its original 2019 announcement, the confirmation of Silksong's long-awaited launch later this year could put Haunted Chocolatier in a difficult position if its own development takes even longer. While the challenges of being a solo developer should be acknowledged, Silksong's Switch 2 update still highlights the ground ConcernedApe needs to cover between Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier on the Switch 2.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- February 26, 2016
- ESRB
- E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)
- Developer(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
- ConcernedApe
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Simulation
