Published on: June 18, 2025
Natsume, the acclaimed publisher and developer known for its beloved farming simulation titles, has officially announced that Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition will be arriving on Nintendo Switch in 2025.
The release will be available digitally via the Nintendo eShop, delivering an enriched experience to both longtime fans and newcomers to the enduring series.
Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition invites players to leave city life behind and return to the tranquil Alba Village.
Once a thriving community, Alba is now facing the challenges of population decline, with its youth having moved to urban areas.
Players are tasked with revitalizing the village, restoring its former vibrancy by tending crops, raising animals, participating in festivals, and forging lasting relationships with the locals.
Adding to the charm, Doc Jr.—a fan-favorite character—has established his laboratory in Alba Village.
His latest inventions include the Hoverbike 5000, a futuristic hover scooter designed to help players swiftly traverse the expansive countryside, and the Cleanmeister Autovac, an automated tool for keeping barns tidy and livestock ready for care.
These new gadgets set the stage for improved daily gameplay, streamlining routine tasks so players can focus on building a thriving homestead and an active social life.
Players can also look forward to meeting both familiar and new faces among Alba’s residents.
Notably, the marriage system returns with a roster of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, including two newcomers from Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos—Ella, an artist seeking inspiration, and Dr.
Nikolai, who is investigating the healing powers of the Harvest Goddess Spring.
This expanded cast allows players to reconnect with old friends or discover new connections, elevating the game's social dynamic.
Natsume president and CEO Hiro Maekawa commented on the announcement, stating that fans have long anticipated the expansion of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home to consoles and PC.
He further emphasized that the Special Edition features fresh inventions from the “lovable and energetic Doc Jr.” and includes appearances from memorable characters previously seen in Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos.
"With additional cutscenes and deeper interactions, Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition delivers a renewed and immersive experience for all players," Maekawa noted in the official announcement.
Key features of Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition on Nintendo Switch include:
- Quick travel across Alba using the Hoverbike 5000 hover scooter
- Efficient barn cleaning with the Cleanmeister Autovac
- New cutscenes and expanded character interactions
- Enhanced relationship-building and marriage options featuring two new marriage candidates
- Traditional farming activities such as crop harvesting, animal care, fishing, and mining
- Participation in contests, festivals, and community events
- Village development through the collection of Happiness, attracting new residents and unlocking more activities
With a global digital launch planned for 2025, Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition marks an important milestone for the franchise on Nintendo Switch.
The game promises a vibrant blend of nostalgia and innovation, staying true to the series' roots while introducing modern conveniences and a refreshed social ecosystem.
Stay tuned to Nintendo Insider for further updates as the release date approaches.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Natsume Harvest Moon Home Sweet Home Special Edition Nintendo eShop Doc Jr. Ella Nikolai The Winds of Anthos Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition