Stardew Valley fans, it’s time to get excited. Creator ConcernedApe just dropped some major hints about the beloved farming sim’s future, including news about the long-awaited Switch 2 port and tantalizing details about Update 1.7. With the game’s 10th anniversary approaching in February 2026, the timing couldn’t be better for big announcements.
Switch 2 Port Announcement Coming “Very Soon”
When asked on Twitter about the status of Stardew Valley’s Switch 2 port, ConcernedApe kept things brief but promising:
“I’ll announce something very soon.”
What We Know About the Switch 2 Port:
The port was originally promised for Fall 2025 during a past Nintendo Direct, but that window is rapidly closing—winter officially begins in just days. When ConcernedApe says “very soon,” it could mean:
- A few days (before winter starts)
- A few weeks (early 2026)
- Potentially by the game’s 10th anniversary (February 26, 2026)
Switch 2 Port Features:
The upgraded version will significantly enhance how Stardew Valley plays on Nintendo hardware:
- GameShare support for easy multiplayer access
- 4-player split-screen co-op (upgraded from current Switch version)
- Joy-Con mouse controls that mimic PC-style cursor movement—widely considered the ideal way to play
Pro tip: If you’ve been waiting to experience Stardew Valley’s precise item placement and menu navigation, the Joy-Con mouse controls will be a game-changer compared to traditional controller inputs.
Update 1.7: What’s Coming to Stardew Valley
ConcernedApe also shared exciting details about the next major content update when asked on Twitter.
Confirmed Update 1.7 Features:
New characters:
- More NPCs to meet and befriend
- Likely new dialogue trees and relationship storylines
Additional “farm stuff”:
- New crops, animals, or farming mechanics (specifics TBA)
- Quality-of-life improvements for farm management
Possible new farm type:
- ConcernedApe hinted it’s “traditional” for updates to include new farm layouts
- Would join existing options like Standard, Riverland, Forest, Hill-top, Wilderness, Four Corners, and Meadowlands
More surprises: ConcernedApe confirmed there are additional details he’s holding back, waiting for the right time to reveal them.
No release date yet: The developer didn’t hint at when Update 1.7 might drop.
Stardew Valley’s Update History: What 1.7 Follows
To understand how significant Update 1.7 could be, let’s look at what 1.6 brought:
Update 1.6 Major Additions (2024):
- New festivals and seasonal events
- Fresh NPC dialogue across the board
- Mastery system for endgame progression
- Meadowlands Farm type with unique benefits
- Countless quality-of-life improvements
Update 1.6 was described as one of the most substantial post-launch updates in Stardew Valley’s history. If 1.7 follows that pattern, players can expect another major content injection.
The 10th Anniversary: Perfect Timing for Big News
Stardew Valley officially turns 10 years old on February 26, 2026—less than three months away.
Why This Date Matters:
While ConcernedApe hasn’t announced any specific celebration plans, the 10th anniversary would be the perfect moment for:
- Switch 2 port release or launch date announcement
- Update 1.7 reveal trailer with full feature list
- Haunted Chocolatier news (more on this below)
- Special in-game anniversary event
Historical context: Stardew Valley launched on February 26, 2016, and became one of the most successful indie games of all time, selling over 30 million copies across all platforms.
What About Haunted Chocolatier?
Unfortunately, ConcernedApe didn’t mention his next game in these recent Twitter exchanges, leaving fans waiting for updates.
Haunted Chocolatier Background:
- Announced: October 2021
- Description: Spiritual successor to Stardew Valley with chocolate shop management
- Updates since announcement: Sparse, with ConcernedApe focusing primarily on Stardew Valley support
Why the silence? ConcernedApe has been dedicating significant time and energy to Stardew Valley’s continued development, particularly the massive 1.6 update and ongoing platform support like the Switch 2 port.
Realistic expectations: Don’t expect Haunted Chocolatier news until after Update 1.7 releases and the Switch 2 port launches. The developer has shown he prefers focusing on one project at a time.
When Could We Realistically Expect These Announcements?
Based on ConcernedApe’s comments and timeline context:
Switch 2 Port:
- Most likely: December 2025 (before Fall officially ends)
- Also possible: Early January 2026 or at the 10th anniversary event
Update 1.7:
- Announcement: Possibly at 10th anniversary (February 26, 2026)
- Release: Likely Q2-Q3 2026 based on past update cadences
Haunted Chocolatier:
- Realistic timeframe: Not until late 2026 at earliest, possibly 2027
Why ConcernedApe’s Continued Support Matters
Stardew Valley’s nearly decade-long post-launch support is extraordinary in gaming:
What makes this special:
- Solo developer: ConcernedApe (Eric Barone) handles most development himself
- Free updates: All major content additions have been free, no paid DLC
- Consistent quality: Each update maintains the game’s charm and polish
- Community-driven: ConcernedApe actively listens to player feedback
Comparison: Most indie games receive 1-2 years of post-launch support. Stardew Valley approaching 10 years with major updates still coming is virtually unprecedented.
How to Prepare for Update 1.7 and Switch 2 Port
For Current Players:
- Complete your 1.6 goals before 1.7 potentially adds new completion requirements
- Experiment with Meadowlands Farm if you haven’t yet
- Max out Mastery system to be ready for potential new endgame content
For Switch 2 Buyers:
- Wait for the port if you haven’t started playing—the mouse controls will significantly improve the experience
- Consider co-op potential with 4-player split-screen
- Save your current farm if you’re on original Switch—expect save transfer support
For Everyone:
- Follow ConcernedApe on Twitter for the latest announcements
- Mark February 26, 2026 on your calendar for potential anniversary news
- Revisit the game before 1.7 drops to refresh your farming skills
Related gaming news: Check out Nintendo’s 15-year Wii lawsuit victory, Pokemon GO’s January 2026 events, and Elden Ring Nightreign’s Update 1.03.1 Scholar class buffs.
Bottom line: Stardew Valley’s future looks bright as ConcernedApe teases imminent Switch 2 port news and reveals Update 1.7 will bring new characters, farm content, and possibly another farm type. With the game’s 10th anniversary just months away, early 2026 could be the most exciting period for Stardew Valley since its original launch. Whether you’re a veteran farmer or considering jumping in for the first time on Switch 2, there’s never been a better time to be part of the Stardew Valley community.
