Nintendo Switch gamers surprised with free Stardew Valley download

The day has finally arrived, or at least did arrive earlier this week.

Stardew Valley’s 1.6 update is now available for console users to download for free, after PC users gained access earlier this year.

That means that, yes, you can enjoy the download on Nintendo Switch as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

In fact, it’s actually update 1.6.9 that you’ll be getting as this version includes a few new bells and whistles.

You don’t need to start a new save, although there are a few advantages to doing just that.

“The only thing you might miss are some dialogue lines. And the new farm type. However, some of the new content would probably be better experienced in the context of a new playthrough,” developer Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone explained.

If you’ve spent the vast majority of this year avidly watching PC ‘Let’s Plays’ to see update 1.6 in action, you’ll know what to expect.

But for the rest of you, I can fill you in.

Take a look at Stardew Valley in action below.

The update adds a three-day Desert Festival event, two mini fishing festivals - Trout Derby and SquidFest - as well as a new environmental event in summer.

There’s a new mastery system, plus a new farm type (Meadowlands Farm) which includes chewy blue grass and comes equipped with a coop and two chickens.

NPCs have received new dialogue, characters can get multiple pets, Ginger Island has received a world map, maps now show your real time position, pets will sometimes offer you gifts, and NPCs now have winter outfits.

We’re far from done.

Festivals have dialogue changes, Lewis’ house has acquired a prize machine, a bookseller will visit your town twice a season, mystery boxes have been introduced, there’s a new big tree quest line, and you can plant four new crops.

On top of that, there’s four new home renovations (dining room, attic, expanded corner room, and cubby) as well as an array of new items detailed in the patch notes.

The update also allows users to place hats on cats and dogs - very important - and there are various new secrets, Easter eggs, and achievements.

I’m really just scratching the surface, but I’m sure that’s whetted your appetite.

You can, of course, read the full patch notes for a comprehensive breakdown, or simply dive into the new free update and enjoy the game for yourself.