2026's best 10/10 Animal Crossing cozy rival confirms PS5 and Switch 2 ports

While Pokémon Pokopia will arguably go down as 2026’s very best cozy offering, it’s an entirely different kettle of fish to what’s on offer in life sims like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley.

If you’re after something new and of that specific cozy ilk, then Starsand Island is 2026’s standout offering - and it’s finally coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.

Starsand Island originally launched in early access in February of this year on PC and Xbox, garnering a perfect score of 10 out of 10 from us here at GAMINGbible.

It now nears its exciting 1.0 launch which’ll bring new content to the game with developer Seed Sparkle Lab also having announced long-awaited PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 ports.

Seed Sparkle Lab

Both the new content and new ports will launch on August 18 which is mere weeks away.

If this is the first you’re hearing of Starsand Island, this life sim sees you abandon your miserable, fast-paced life in the city.

Instead, you’ll return to an island that you used to call home, connecting with old friends, and re-evaluating the joys of life.

It includes all of the usual cozy fare, including farming, fishing, decorating, gardening, raising animals, romancing, and more.

With its open-world exploration, light combat, and varied terrain and build customisation options, Starsand Island also has a The Sims or Zelda feel to it in parts.

READ MORE: 13 upcoming 2026 cozy games to wishlist if you're sick of farming

Every new feature in Starsand Island’s 1.0 launch

The 1.0 launch will introduce online multiplayer so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Starsand Island alongside three friends.

Partaking in multiplayer play earns you unique currency you can use for exclusive rewards in a multiplayer shop.

Relationship options are also set to be expanded with 19 NPCs now boasting three-heart and five-heart relationship quests.

There remain 14 romance options but those characters have gained new dating activities, including picnics, kite flying, and playing arcade games.

Developers are also adding an Autumn Pumpkin Festival which will boast its own storyline and quests.

Starsand Island’s players will also get to enjoy limited-time events like catching glowing jellyfish, growing festival pumpkins, and providing animals with special feed to produce candy.

Taking part in the festivities unlocks exclusive rewards including outfits, emotes, recipes, and more.

If you don’t yet own Starsand Island, both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 versions are set to launch at £39.99 / $39.99 / €44.99.

Again, the game earned a perfect score of 10 from us here at GAMINGbible.

“Starsand Island is exactly what I’ve claimed it to be in previous previews. It’s the very best of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and The Sims, with a flavouring of Studio Ghibli thrown in, but it’s also something completely original,” we said.

“Starsand Island’s depth of offering places it leagues above its competitors making it, for me, the new poster child of the cosy gaming space. I’ll be championing it until the rest of the world catches on, but I have a feeling that won’t take very long.”