Stardew Valley heading to Nintendo Switch as devs ditch Wii U version

Developer Eric Barone gives major update on console versions of hit indie farming sim.

Stardew Valley guru Eric Barone has announced that the planned Wii U version of his popular PC farming sim has been cancelled so a version for Nintendo Switch can be developed instead, ahead of the console's anticipated launch in March 2017.

Barone made the announcement alongside confirmation that the PS4 and Xbox One versions of his game will be released on 14 December. The PS4 version will be released on 13 December in North America.

"Looking at Wii U and the current gaming landscape, we made the difficult choice to shift our development efforts to creating a version for Nintendo Switch," Barone explained on the game's website.

"I am really looking forward to the Switch, and I believe that the Switch's unique capabilities could create some exciting opportunities for Stardew Valley. I do want to emphasise that I am absolutely committed to seeing Stardew Valley on Nintendo platforms, and I really do appreciate your support and understanding in this."

Stardew Valley is a quaint farming and life sim set in a rural village and its surrounding area, centred on the establishment and running of a farm bequeathed to the player by their character's grandfather. The game is heavily inspired by Harvest Moon and Nintendo's Animal Crossing, so releasing on a Nintendo platform makes perfect sense.

Stardew Valley sprang from nowhere to become one of the indie hits of 2016, and is a favourite of ours too. Here's one of our freelancers on the joys of marriage and blueberries in the game.