Currently, it is hard not to notice the oversaturation of farming simulations on the Nintendo Switch. Just recentlyFae FarmandStory of Seasons: A Wonderful Lifewere announced at the latest Nintendo Direct, adding to an ever-increasing pile of farming games. One of the most popular farm games of all time, of course, isStardew Valley. Since it was released in 2016 and had incredible success, more and more farming games have been on the rise. However, that is not entirely the fault ofStardew Valley.
The increase ofStardew Valley-like games became more noticeable whenAnimal Crossing: New Horizonscame out in 2020. Not only didAnimal Crossingadd to the lure of life simulation games, but it also came out during COVID’s first year, and COVID may have a lot to do with life simulation games becoming more popular. The Nintendo Switch, in particular, has decided to be the console forStardew Valley-like games.
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Why Farming Games Have Come to The Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch tends to have more innocent games than thePlayStation or Xbox consoles. It is built to appeal to all ages but also has a game library that is particularly tailored to younger gamers. Another thing that sets the Nintendo Switch apart from other consoles is that it can be handheld. In terms of genre, farming games work very well for a handheld console. They are known to be relaxing, low-risk, and would not distract too much when played in public spaces.
Farming games beforeStardew Valleywere also successes on handheld consoles.Harvest Moon,Story of Seasons, Rune Factory,andAnimal Crossinggames had plenty of titles on the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and 3DS. In other words, farming and simulation games have a longstanding tradition of appearing on handheld devices.
All The Stardew Valley-Like Games On The Switch
What counts as aStardew Valley-like game are games either based on farming or have farming mechanics along with a life simulation. The list ofStardew Valley-like games that currently are on theNintendo Switch, as well asStardew Valley-like Nintendo Switch games that are planned to release within the next year, includes:
Why Farming Games Are So Popular
A lot of video games can actually be stressful. Some require sneaking around, button mashing, defeating difficult bosses, or getting adrenaline rushes from being in any PvP setting. “Rage quitting” is a real thing, with gamers getting stuck in games and quitting out of pure frustration. Their stories can also be more emotional or disturbing than some players want.
Games likeStardew Valleytake players away that stressby providing a wholesome space to relax. They do not always have an ending and allow the player to play for as long as they feel like it. Farms come with hard challenges in real life, of course, but farming sim games allow players to have the fun parts without the stress.
Lastly, the games are great for escapism, and arguably more so than regular video games. Farm games let players get cozy and step away from all the complications of real life without picking up other stresses. Also, growing plants, fishing, and taking care of animals can be uniquely fulfilling. A lot of gamers live in cities where farm life is far away. These games,particularly on the Nintendo Switch, let players have a little farm wherever they may be.
Stardew Valleyis available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, PS Vita, Switch, and Xbox One.
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